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