As an interior designer, I have always loved Native American hand drums for their natural beauty when used for rustic decor, and for the significant role they play in American Indian drum music. Most people I meet do not realize that these hand drums are among the most famous cultural icons in the world. For hundreds of years, American Indian people relied on their belief in the extraordinary power of these drums for spiritual and healing purposes, and have always thought of the hand drum as a prized possession among all Native American musical instruments. Even though all Native American drums have comparable characteristics about them, you may not realize that native drums vary in many ways depending on the tribe. Some tribes use the hand drum exclusively in secret ceremonies, whereas in others, they are the main focus of the public event or powwow. Native people also use these hand held musical instruments for dance, personal meditating and in sweat lodges. No matter how they are used, the hand drum still plays a key role in American Indian music and in Native culture today. When purchasing one of these beautiful drums to add to your western style home decor ... 

Native American rattles are very important percussion instruments. It's interesting to learn that there are ground rules connected with the use of rattles in the Native Indian culture. Native American rattles produce an important sound for their tribal music. The rattle, when played along with the hand drum, gives a steady beating which inspires Native tribal music. Mostly, music is dependent on vocal styles and percussion and the rattles act as another important aspect to the whole musical repertoire. Normally, rules pertaining to gender are enforced. There may be a difference when it comes to the type of musical instruments that either a man or a woman may use. Turtle shell shackles are used primarily by women of the Southeastern Indian tribes during ceremonies. In both ceremonies and rituals, the Native American rattle is used. A popular choice in rattles are those constructed with turtle shells. Both the gourd and rawhide rattles are perfect examples of Native American musical instruments. The patterns and symbols on the rattle will vary depending on the culture of the particular Indian tribe. Notable tribes like the Zuni and Apache have impeccable handcrafted decorations. The Native American rattle is often seen decorated with various types ... 

There is an important history pertaining to Native American hand drums. While many changes have taken place throughout the years, the drumming circles of these proud people still resonate with pride. The sound of drumming speaks to the soul. The Native American drum has a voice which is the center of their unique culture and music. Music is mush enhanced by the percussion of the drum. Percussion is an essential element to call the music truly Native American. We dance to the beat of drums. It woud not be Native American music if the beat of the drum was not present. Hand drums are what make Native American music loved and appreciated. The tribal music flows with unique sounds. Native hand drums are constructed much the same way, no matter the tribe. Hollowed out logs are used for the frame. Native Americans used animal skins such as goat, elk and buffalo to stretch over the surface of a drum and secured using a piece of leather. Traditional drums can be large, expanding two to three feet in diameter and used by groups of men. It varies from tribe to tribe, which drums are used. Drums are popular to use both ...