Drums in Native American culture
Drums hold a significant place in Native American culture, serving various purposes across different tribes. They often accompany singing, although the rhythms of the drums and vocals may not always align. Various types of drums are utilized, including hand drums made from hollowed wood or woven materials, as well as larger communal drums that require multiple players. Water drums, made from hollow logs filled partially with water, produce sounds that can carry for miles due to their enhanced resonance. The decoration of drums is common, with religious significance placed on the imagery and symbols used. Drumming is not only a musical tradition but also serves as a means of spiritual evocation and communication. Some tribes employed drumming as a form of long-distance communication, utilizing a unique "Morse code" system that varied by tribe and was kept secret within each group. Additionally, drumsticks can hold ceremonial importance and prestige, sometimes being specially decorated for specific rituals. Overall, the role of drums in Native American culture reflects a deep connection to spirituality, community, and communication.
Subject Terms
Drums in Native American culture
Tribes affected: Pantribal
Significance: Drums and other percussion instruments are an almost universal part of Indian music; they are also used in nonmusical tribal ceremonies and have served as a means of communication
Drums are used for a variety of purposes in almost every American Indian culture. Most often drumming accompanies singing, although the singers do not necessarily follow the rhythm of the drums.
Drums come in a variety of types. The hand drum is carried by an individual and can be played while dancing. The most common material for this type of drum is hollowed wood, but woven baskets and hollowed gourds are often used as well. There are also large drums around which several people sit and play together. Water drums are made from hollow logs and are partially filled with water. The water greatly increases resonance, and such drums can be heard for miles.
Drums are often decorated elaborately. Much of Native American music and song have religious significance, and the proper gods and spirits must be evoked. One way of doing this is to paint the proper pictures on the body of the drum. Drumsticks are sometimes given much more significance than they have been accorded in European cultures. For some ceremonies, drumsticks are decorated according to their particular ceremonial meaning, and the possession of such sticks may be a sign of prestige. Apart from the more common types of drums, in some area poles or planks may also be beaten. Elsewhere, stretched hides, without any attached drum body, are used.
As well as providing musical accompaniment, drums were used as a form of long-distance communication. A sort of “Morse code” system was used, and it was different for every tribe. Since the signals produced were kept as secrets within a particular tribe, drumming can be seen as a very secure form of communication.