Native American Drums Article

The Drum has played a huge role in the Native American ceremony and culture as well as becoming an icon of their people. Drums have been used for thousands of years in every country for healing, dancing,
chanting and singing. According to Indian tradition, a drum is much more than rawhide and wood, it is a living being, a precious member of their family, a tool for connecting to spirit. Drums have been
used for thousands of years in every country for healing, dancing, chanting and singing.

The drum becomes an extension of the drummer through use, love, vibration, and even the oil from the hands that is absorbed. So much so, in fact, that native americans often consider their drum like a
living member of their family. It is therefore understandable why many Native Americans do not allow anyone to use their personal drum.

The drum is not just one instrument, but many instruments combined. While some people think the sound is produced in the body of the drum, it is actually produced by the membrane and its vibration. Each
drum is unique, sounding with it's own unique voice, and communicating it's life in it's own special way.

By understanding its tonal possibilities, the experienced drummer can achieve an expanded variety of sounds and effects with a drum. From Physics we know a drum can actually resonate in numerous different vibration patterns or modes modes, each with a distinct sound. These Drum Vibration Modes are different beautiful resonant patterns of movement, much like wave patterns in water.