Try Native American Drums For Perfect Southwestern Decorating

Native American drums are recognized as some of the most used Indian instruments among Native Americans and many other people as well. Drums have served many purposes for generations and have always been the center of Native American lifestyle. They have been used to create a strong foundation of religion and spirituality in social gatherings and powwows.

Indian Shaman in North America history have all used drums in various rituals and ceremonies to communicate with a higher power known to most as the Great Spirit. To Native people, Indian drums are much more than just decorations or nice musical instruments. American Indian drums are believed to speak in a personal way to the drummer. The circle of a Native American drum represents the earth and life. Hoop drums and shaman drums, the most easily identified, are Indian hand drums used in many personal healing and religious ceremonies as well as public ceremonies such as a Native American powwow.

The skin of the animal that is placed over the ring brings with it unique characteristics of the spirit of the animal and brings a sense of life to the drum when played. Many people think of striking a drum to make a sound, but to Indian drummers and those who play in drumming groups and drum circles, the desire is to draw out the sound. The beating drum is compared to the beating of a human heart and is said to represent the heart beat of the earth which is a belief that is classic Native American. Drums in this way become the foundation to connect one's spirit with that of the earth and the Great Spirit through out the history of Native Americans.

Native American drums come from a wonderful culture and because they are so important they are used in not only music but art and dance as well. Adding decoration to a drum becomes a very personal task to the owner. The Indian drummer becomes an artist and communicates impressions of his inner feelings and beliefs in his Indian art. Some American Indian tribes use images of animals to decorate their drums and others use geometric patterns and everything in between. In some tribal Indian cultures the drummer will place something of personal value inside the drum to permanently join himself with his hand drum.

The different Native American pictures that the artwork on the drums depict is often painted with natural earth colors taken from nature. Some are dull and others are bright coming from plants, roots and herbs found in nature and in the drum makers natrual environment. Other Native American drums are decorated with iron oxide which is a naturally occurring red rock that can be easily crushed. When mixed with water, it produces a rich orange red dye that is much like paint and is associated with the natural red rocks found Arizona. The region of Sedona is thought to be a special place with spiritual power like the energy created by American Indian drums.

The desire behind the teachings of Native American Education has always involved the sharing of beliefs through music, songs, stories and legends. It is in connection with these methods of learning that the communication and cultural importance has been found in the use of drums. If you are interested in the spiritual aspects of life as pertain to Indian beliefs, you will love owning and playing Native American drums.