The sacred drum holds enormous significance in Native American culture, and is a reflection of the primary concern of the Red Race, that of caring for the Earth, thus listening to the Earth Mother’s heart beat, the drum, to harmonize our communities. The simple steady pulse of the drum triggers elevated states of consciousness and feelings of well being. The medicine of the drum is that it brings unity into the community. It will lay the foundation of sacred space for meetings and gatherings. It gives us the ability to see many places in the world, many dimensions, without leaving our homes. It strengthens the energy field around the physical body, permeating us with life force. It will also have the same beneficila effect on nature and our dear Mother Earth.
The sacred drum makes it possible to talk with our ancestors, revealing the precious guidance of those who have gone before us.
The drum, for us all, is sacred, and like a living being. We will be careful how we handle it and will wrap it when not
in use.We will not allow children to play with it. We will often purify it before use and thank it after use. Some even give special offerings to their drums.
Traditionnally, only a young man, who had proven himself with meritious acts, was granted by his Elders the privilege of playing the drum. The woman, being of the great Mother, was the drum, thus had no need of playing it. Times are chnaging though, and more and more ladies are now using the drum.
I personnally use mostly two drums. The elk skin round hand drum is my main drum, the one I use most often. Its round form symbolizes the inclusiveness of everything in he universe. Unity and inter-relatedeness, two key words in understanding the native American world view. The water drum is always played with a rapid beat and generates special harmonics. It has affinities with the Elemental beings, being my favorite drum for communicating with the elements of nature. It contains water and its skin is wet before use. You will hear this drum change sounds several times during a whole music item; this happens when I turn the drum upside down so the water in the drum will wet the skin anew. I will also sometimes press on the skin to heighten the tone for a few measures or beats.
Here is a link to my CD Earth Drums