Music Article | Understanding The Important Role Pow Wow Drums Play In Native CeremoniesMore Than Articles

Understanding The Important Role Pow Wow Drums Play In Native Ceremonies

Did you ever wonder why pow wow drums are used in native ceremonies? I did, but never really understood that they played such a significant role in the Indigenous culture until I had the opportunity to see one of these events, and started talking to the American Indian singers about the significant role the pow wow drum has in the ceremony.

Native drum groups realize the significance of this type of drum in their culture, but most people I meet have only a small idea of how the native drum music is used and what it is used for. Because it is thought to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the tool necessary to call on the Spirits, the pow wow drum is, understandably, the heart of the Native American ceremony.

If you ever have the chance to be present at one of these spiritual events, you will certainly be fascinated to watch how this American Indian drum is played during the ceremony. Made from a large base and covered with cow, deer or buffalo rawhide, the pow wow drum is played by eight or more men that strike the drum with drum beaters as they sing songs, often sung in the Native American language.

These singers are responsible for knowing the songs necessary for the powwow and for the songs asked of them by the singing leader. You can also find the powwow drum and singers at dances, ceremonies and other events where a pow wow is needed.

The Native Americans think of these events and the native drums to be sacred. Since the drum was first given to the people by a woman, they are believed to contain her spirit and are greatly respected for this reason. The people's deep cultural beliefs make the Spirit world a very big part of these ceremonies and a time when they connect with their creator.

Today, you will not only come across Native American pow wow drums being played in native drumming circles but will also see that they are very popular in rustic home decorating and western interior design. Many home designers, wishing to add balance and peace in their rustic style home decor, find that the powerful presence of the pow wow drum does just that.

Because of their popularity in country and southwestern decor, it is easy to find powwow drums online and in stores that sell Native American drums and other rustic home decor items.

Whether using your pow wow drum in native drum groups or adding it along with your rustic home decor, it is important to treat it with great honor and the respect that it deserves. There is really no wrong form of expression when using your pow wow drum as long as it is done properly and out of respect to the spiritual role it has among the Native people.

You can connect with the spiritual world in your Native American drum circles or generate peace and balance in your southwestern home decor through the powerful presence enhanced by pow wow drums.

About the Author

Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and offers free tips online about using pow wow drums for ceremonial drumming. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com

Author Profile: gmimexico

Other Music Articles