For Indigenous people, drums are more than communication tools and musical instruments. They are tools for a life-long connection to all living things and the Creator. The circle represents balance and equality, wholeness and connection. A drum allows our youth as well as elders to truly express themselves and teaches everyone that you have a voice now that can be heard.
Tools & Materials
Material List
- Hide (could be a cow, elk, mule deer, black tail, Buffalo or goat)
- Wood, 1” x 3” spruce boards, 8’ in length
- Laces (rawhide, sinew, paracord) Paracord is best, keeping the skin tighter on the frame
Tool list
- Chop saw
- Belt sander
- Hole punch
- Staplegun & staples (in place of laces)
- For safety: earplugs and a mask (so you don’t inhale sawdust)
Procedure
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Cut the boards (length determined by how many sides)
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Sand the wood
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Glue the wood pieces together to form the frame
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Allow the glue to dry
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Sand down the frame
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Soak the hide in a tub, for 6 – 8 hours
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Hole punch the hide (16 holes per hide)
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Put the hide into tye-dye (if you choose to add coloring to the drum)
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Once dry, place the hide onto the drum frame