| Native American drums are probably the most | | | | personal healing and religious ceremonies as well |
| recognizable Native American instruments among | | | | as public ceremonies such as a Native American |
| American Indians and non Native people alike. | | | | powwow. |
| Drums for generations have been at the center | | | | The hide of the animal that is stretched over the |
| of Native lifestyle, forming what has become the | | | | ring brings with it unique characteristics of the |
| foundation of religion and spirituality as well as | | | | spirit of the animal and brings life to the drum |
| social gatherings where a pow wow drum is | | | | when played. Many people think of pounding a |
| center stage. | | | | drum to make a sound, but to Indian drummers |
| Indian tribes in North America history have all | | | | and those involved in modern drumming groups |
| used drums in various ways to connect with a | | | | and drum circles, the desire is to draw out the |
| higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. | | | | sound. The beating drum is compared to the |
| To Native people, Indian drums are much more | | | | beating of a human heart and is said to represent |
| than just decorations or interesting musical | | | | the heart beat of the earth which is a belief that |
| instruments. American Indian drums are believed | | | | is classic Native American. Drums in this way |
| to speak to the drummer. Native drums being | | | | become the vehicle to connect one's spirit with |
| made in a circle represent the earth and life. The | | | | that of the earth and the Great Spirit through out |
| most well know being hoop drums and shaman | | | | the history of Native Americans. |
| drums which are Indian hand drums used in many | | | | |