Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/Shaman_rattle,_Venezuela_-_Museo_de_las_Americas_-_San_Juan,_Puerto_Rico_-_DSC06884.JPG
If you are fortuneate enough to attend or be concerned in a Shamanic ceremony you will notice that the Shaman, or spiritual leader, will beat a unique looking raw hide hand drum with a soft drum stick to create the soothing monotonous beat used to take him to an altered mental state. During this altered state of mind, called the Shamanic journey, the Shaman receives healing and spiritual powers he uses to guide his people. If you take a close look at the Shaman's drum you will realize that unlike many other leather Native American drums used during tribal ceremonies, these rustic drums have natural raw hide, stretched over a wood frame on one side and are laced with raw hide string on the opposite side. They don't have the loop carry like many other tribal drums do. A drum fashioned in this means helps for a natural hand holding position so that you may completely control the drum and genuinely manipulate the sound that is vital in bringing out the appropriate tones necessary to lead you on your Shamanic journey.
Also, I always make sure to examine the quality of the drum before purchasing. It's important to examine that there are no thin places at the facets where the cords of the drumhead are connected. This is important for the quality and life of your Shaman drum and will save you money in the long run by not having to have it repaired or buy a new one.
Maybe you are like me when I first began getting to know about the history and meaning of Native American drums, and have only a rough idea of what the Shamans drum is. Or, maybe you are wondering how to choose the appropriate drum to play in your Shaman drum circle. Whatever the case, it is important to understand the significance this raw hide drum plays in Native American culture so that you may develop a true appreciation for its art and let its power lead you in the appropriate direction.
Want to give your home authentic Native American style decor? Try using Shaman drums along with your rustic home furnishings like I did. My love for these unique, American Indian drums began appropriate after my husband and I purchased our new home last year. We knew that because of our love for the old west, we wanted true southwestern and Native American style home decor with one of a kind rustic home furnishings. Once that was determined I started filling my new home with unique western and Native American pieces that would go with my rustic decor and entertain my guests by telling a story at the same time. That is when I came across how simple it was to give my home that gorgeous country style that you see in designer home magazines, by decorating with shaman drums.
A lot of focus is placed on the drum alone but don't forget to choose the appropriate striking mallet so that you may enjoy the resonating sound of those native drums to its fullest. You will see that there are many variations of mallets that pull out assorted sounds from the drum and although I personally like using a mallet with a fur covered head, it is a matter of what works absolute best for you. Whether you are purchasing Native American musical instruments resembling drums to incorporate into your home decor or are using it to aid you in your spiritual journey, I warrantly that you will love the authentic Native American style and southwest charm added to your life and home by Shaman drums.
