Craig Chambers asked:


Have you ever wondered how exactly pow wow drums are used? I have, but never really knew that they played such an important part 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 important role the pow wow drum has in the ceremony. Native drum groups understand the significance of this type of drum in their culture, but most people I talk to have only a small idea of the reason behind why the native drum music is played and what it is used for. Because it is believed to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the tool used to call on the Spirits, the pow wow drum is, without a doubt, the heart of the Native American ceremony.

If you ever have an opportunity to be present at one of these spiritual events, you will certainly be amazed to watch how this American Indian drum is played during the ceremony. Made from a large base and covered with cow, deer or buffalo hide, the pow wow drum is played by eight or more men that strike the drum with drum strikers as they sing songs, often sung in the Native American language. These singers are responsible for knowing the songs required for the powwow and for the songs asked of them by the singing leader.

You can also come across the powwow drum and singers at dances, ceremonies and other events where a pow wow is needed. The Native Americans consider 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 hold her spirit and are highly respected for this reason. The people’s rich cultural beliefs make the Spirit world a very important part of these ceremonies and a time when they reach out to their creator.

Today, you will not only find 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, looking to create balance and peace in their rustic style home decorating, find that the spirit of the pow wow drum does just that. Because of their popularity in country and southwestern home decorating, it is easy to buy powwow drums online and in stores that sell Native American drums and other rustic home decor items.

Whether playing your pow wow drum in native drum groups or adding it as part of your rustic home decor, it is important to handle it with great care and the respect that it deserves. There is really no wrong way of expression when using your pow wow drum as long as it is done properly and out of respect to the important part it has among the Native people. You can connect with the spiritual world in your Native American drum circles or create joy and balance in your western home decor through the powerful presence enhanced by pow wow drums.