| Native American drums are probably the most | | | | when played. Many people think of pounding a |
| recognizable Native American instruments among | | | | drum to make a sound, but to Indian drummers |
| American Indians and non Native people alike. | | | | and those involved in modern drumming groups |
| Drums for generations have been at the center | | | | and drum circles, the desire is to draw out the |
| of Native lifestyle, forming what has become the | | | | sound. The beating drum is compared to the |
| foundation of religion and spirituality as well as | | | | beating of a human heart and is said to represent |
| social gatherings where a pow wow drum is | | | | the heart beat of the earth which is a belief that |
| center stage. | | | | is classic Native American. Drums in this way |
| Indian tribes in North America history have all | | | | become the vehicle to connect one's spirit with |
| used drums in various ways to connect with a | | | | that of the earth and the Great Spirit through out |
| higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. | | | | the history of Native Americans. |
| To Native people, Indian drums are much more | | | | Native American Indian drums have a rich culture |
| than just decorations or interesting musical | | | | and because they are so important they are used |
| instruments. American Indian drums are believed | | | | in not only music but art and dance as well. |
| to speak to the drummer. Native drums being | | | | Decorating a drum becomes a very personal task |
| made in a circle represent the earth and life. The | | | | to the owner. The Indian drummer becomes an |
| most well know being hoop drums and shaman | | | | artist and communicates impressions of his inner |
| drums which are Indian hand drums used in many | | | | feelings and beliefs in his Indian art. Some |
| personal healing and religious ceremonies as well | | | | American Indian tribes use animals to decorate |
| as public ceremonies such as a Native American | | | | their drums and others use geometric patterns |
| powwow. | | | | and everything in between. In some tribal cultures |
| The hide of the animal that is stretched over the | | | | the drummer will place something of personal |
| ring brings with it unique characteristics of the | | | | value inside the drum to permanently join himself |
| spirit of the animal and brings life to the drum | | | | with his hand drum. |