Have you ever wondered how exactly pow wow drums are used? I have, but never really understood that they played such an important role in the Native American culture until I had the opportunity to attend one of these events, and started talking to the American Indian singers about the important part the drum plays in the ceremony. Native drum groups understand 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 played and what it is used for. Because it is believed to be the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the tool necessary to call on the Spirits, the drum is, without a doubt, the heart of the Native American ceremony.
If you ever have an opportunity to go to 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 covered mallets as they sing songs, often sung in the Native American language. These singers are responsible for knowing the songs necessary for the event 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 required. The Native Americans regard 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 deep cultural beliefs make the Spirit world a very important part of these ceremonies and a time when they come in contact with 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 southwestern style home decor, find that the spirit of the 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 as part of 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 them as long as it is done properly and out of respect to the spiritual role it plays 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.
Craig Chambers is the director of Mission Del Rey and author offering free information online about how to use Powwow drums for American Indian drumming and for chic Southwestern home decorating. For more information visit http://www.missiondelrey.com
Source: www.articlealley.com
