| Because I enjoy home decorating, I have | | | | curled to form a ring that measured two to |
| always loved Native American hand drums for | | | | six feet in length, depending on the size of |
| their natural beauty when used for | | | | the hand drum desired. Once the drum ring was |
| southwestern decor, and for the significant | | | | bent to the right size, it was held with one |
| role they play in American Indian drum music. | | | | end overlapping the other and kept in place |
| Most people I meet don't know that these hand | | | | with a piece of rawhide lace. Allowed to dry |
| drums are among the most famous cultural | | | | naturally in the open air, the remaining |
| icons in the world. For centuries, American | | | | wetness in the hand drum hoop would |
| Indian people relied on their belief in the | | | | evaporate, allowing the ring to shrink to the |
| unique power of these drums for spiritual and | | | | exact size. |
| healing purposes, and have always thought of | | | | |
| the hand drum as a prized possession among | | | | As you research the history of the various |
| all Native American musical instruments. | | | | tribal hand drums made, you will learn that |
| | | | they were covered on either one, or both |
| Though all Native American drums have similar | | | | sides of the drum hoop with animal skin. |
| characteristics about them, you may not | | | | Various woods and hides were used depending |
| realize that native drums are different in | | | | on the Indian tribe and where they were |
| many forms according to tribe. Some tribes | | | | geographically, but the most common materials |
| use the hand drum only in secret ceremonies, | | | | were pine, and goat skin. These days, Native |
| whereas in others, they are the main focus of | | | | American hand drums are made using a variety |
| the public ceremony or powwow. Native people | | | | of animal hides, but traditionally, goat skin |
| also use these hand held musical instruments | | | | rawhide was the preferred skin because of its |
| for dance, personal meditating and in sweat | | | | special stretching and sound quality. |
| lodges. No matter how they are used, the hand | | | | |
| drum still plays a key role in American | | | | Today, you can easily find Native American |
| Indian music and in Native culture today. | | | | hand drums online and in stores that |
| | | | specialize in southwestern and American |
| When choosing one of these beautiful drums to | | | | Indian home decor. Whether adorned on the |
| add to your western style home decor or for | | | | wall in a cabin or lodge to enhance rustic |
| playing in a drum group, it is important to | | | | decor, or simply being played for ceremonial |
| choose one made with quality materials | | | | drumming, these Native drums will add great |
| similar to the original materials used. The | | | | charm to your life and environment. If you |
| traditional, all natural hand held drums used | | | | are drawn to authenticity and traditional |
| throughout Native American history, were made | | | | American Indian values, you will certainly |
| of wood cut from a downed tree trunk. When | | | | enjoy owning and displaying genuine Native |
| cut properly, the long thin strip of wood | | | | American hand drums. |