| Because I love southwest decorating, I | | | | Also, as you research the importance of |
| recently added ceremonial drums as part | | | | ceremonial drums in modern culture, you |
| of the rustic, southwest decor in my new | | | | will see that Native Indian drums play a |
| home. I was so happy with the beautiful, | | | | significant role in the livelihood of |
| rustic feel that the Native American | | | | native tribes such as the Tarahumara. |
| drums brought to my home, that I started | | | | Making and selling these rustic style |
| learning about the history and the | | | | drums allows them to earn a living, by |
| influential role they play in tribal | | | | selling and trading their cultural hand |
| cultures. | | | | crafts, and helps them disperse the |
| If you are like me, you have probably | | | | knowledge and traditions of their |
| seen how significant ceremonial drums | | | | culture to those who purchase them. |
| are to the Native culture but do not | | | | The drum making knowledge, passed on |
| understand their significance in Native | | | | from generation to generation in these |
| ceremonies or how exactly they are used. | | | | tribes, teaches the drum makers how to |
| Each tribe is unique in how they use | | | | make durable and long-lasting ceremonial |
| ceremonial drums but one similarity | | | | drums with elements from the Earth and |
| between each tribe is that the Native | | | | the environment around them such as pine |
| drums are very symbolic and part of the | | | | wood and natural rawhide. |
| main focus of the ceremony. | | | | Today, American Indian drums are not |
| Throughout my research, I have come to | | | | only used in Indian ceremonies such as |
| find that learning about these drums | | | | Native American drum groups and as |
| truly gives you a great appreciation of | | | | Indian musical instruments, but they are |
| the Native American culture and their | | | | also gaining popularity as pieces of |
| customs. As you begin learning about | | | | decorative art, instruments used in |
| ceremonial drums, you will find it very | | | | school music classes and even as |
| intriguing that the Native Americans | | | | canvases for Native American art |
| consider the ceremonial drum to be | | | | projects and southwestern paintings. |
| sacred. | | | | Some types of ceremonial drums are also |
| They are usually used in powwows, | | | | used as southwest style furniture and |
| Shamanic ceremonies and honor ceremonies | | | | Native American decor, such as the |
| to call on the Spirits and to connect | | | | larger powwow drums and pedestal drums |
| with their creator. It is believed that | | | | that are used as rustic tables. |
| each drum has a spirit and that the drum | | | | Today, it is very easy to buy these |
| beat signifies the heart beat of Mother | | | | unique Native American ceremonial drums |
| Nature. Since the drum is believed to | | | | online and in stores that sell |
| connect the people with the spirit world | | | | southwestern, western and rustic home |
| and direct the a healer in helping his | | | | decor. However you choose to use your |
| people, you will find that they are | | | | ceremonial drum, whether for drumming |
| commonly used by the healers to enter | | | | groups or in home decorating, you will |
| the mind state, known as the Shamanic | | | | definitely be drawn to the rustic charm |
| journey, needed to connect with the | | | | and western style of ceremonial drums. |
| Spirits. | | | | |