Understanding Shaman Drums And The Role They Play In Native Culture

Looking for an easy way to give your home decor western or Native American flare? Try using Shaman drums along with your western home furnishings like I did. My love for these beautiful, American Indian drums started right after my husband and I bought our new home last year. We knew that because of our love for the old west, we wanted true southwestern and Native American style decor with unique rustic home furnishings. Once that was determined I started filling my new home with unique western and country pieces that would match my southwest decor and entertain my visitors by telling a story at the same time. That is when I came across how simple it was to give my home that beautiful country style that you see in designer home magazines, by decorating with shaman drums.

Maybe you are like me when I first started hearing about the symbolic meaning of Native American drums, and have only a vague idea of what the Shamans drum is. Or, maybe you are wondering how to choose the right drum to play in your Shaman drum circle. Whatever the case, it is important to understand the significance this raw hide drum plays in Native American culture so you can develop a true appreciation for its art and let its power lead you in the right direction.

If you are lucky enough to be part of a Shamanic ceremony you will notice that the Shaman, or spiritual leader, will beat a unique looking raw hide hand drum with a soft drum striker to create the rhythmic monotonous beat needed to take him to an altered mental state. During this altered state of mind, called the Shamanic journey, the Shaman receives healing and spiritual powers he uses to guide his people. If you take a close look at the Shaman's drum you will notice that unlike many other leather Native American drums used for tribal ceremonies, these rustic drums have natural raw hide, stretched over a wood frame on one side and are laced with raw hide string on the other side. They don't have the loop hold like many other tribal drums do. A drum made in this way gives you a natural hand holding position so you can be in full contact with the drum and easily create the sound that is vital in bringing out the right tones needed to guide you on your Shamanic journey.

You will also see that many Shamanic drums have symbolic painted designs on the rawhide drum face. These unique western paintings often depict a map of the universe or symbols of spiritual powers you can use to aid you in your meditating and journeying experience. If you are choosing the drum for Shamanic work, take time to study the symbolic meaning of the painting. Since the rustic designs have spiritual power that influences the journey, you want to make sure it is in agreement with your own practices and influences you in that direction.

Also, I think its very important to check the quality of the drum before choosing. It's important to make sure there are no thin places at the points where the cords of the drumhead are connected. This is vital to the quality and life of your Shaman drum and will ultimately save you money by not having to have it repaired or buy a new one.

Most attention is placed on the drum alone but it's also important to choose the appropriate striking mallet so you can enjoy the rich sound of these native drums to its fullest. You will realize that there are many different types of mallets that pull out different tones from the drum and although I personally like using a mallet with a fur covered head, it is a matter of what you like best. Whether you are purchasing Native American musical instruments such as drums to incorporate into your home decor or are using it to aid you in your spiritual journey, you will no doubt love the true southwestern style and western charm brought to your life and home by Shaman drums.

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free tips about purchasing Shaman Drums for Native drumming groups and ceremonies. For more information visit www.missiondelrey.com

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