EACH DRUM CARRIES ITS OWN ENERGY -- ITS OWN HEARBEAT
The drum is broadly considered to be the first musical instrument used by humans. Historians and music ethnologists alike point out that the drum has been utilized by virtually every culture known to mankind for a multitude of purposes. The earliest drums were used for rituals, social dances, sporting events, feasts, special ceremonies, in preparation for hunting, and as a prelude to war. However, it is virtually a universally held belief that the original purpose of the drum was to communicate, many times over long distances as a warning or signal.
The drumbeat evokes many powerful forms of energy and is an aid in helping to focus one’s attention and to see clear intentions. Certain types of beats are said to carry special healing powers into the human body. A sick person’s psychological and physiological states are believed to be altered by the rhythmic drumbeats and accompanying song, and the illness becomes more attuned to other medicinal remedies.
Stories about drummers being able to influence weather conditions, such as inducing or dissuading thunder, rain and other elements through the vibrations sent into the atmosphere, are common among Indigenous people.
In these modern times, there are basically three types of drums used by Native people: single-headed drums, double-headed drums and kettle drums. All of these drums are beaten with sticks, of many shapes and sizes. Single-headed drums most commonly utilize deer hide, cow hide or caribou hide stretched across a wooden frame that has been soaked and formed into a circle. Many tribes across the hemisphere use this type of drum for hand games, courtship songs and healing songs.
The drum beat works as a conduit connecting the resonant sound of the human heartbeat and the rhythm of the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The First Nation culture teaches that the more drums are played, the more harmony, connection and understanding we have of one mind, one body and one spirit.
The drums will always beat loudly in our hearts even through the noise of the world, and every time your feet touch our Mother Earth our souls will feel the pull of those who walked before us.~ William Windwalker ~
The drumbeat evokes many powerful forms of energy and is an aid in helping to focus one’s attention and to see clear intentions. Certain types of beats are said to carry special healing powers into the human body. A sick person’s psychological and physiological states are believed to be altered by the rhythmic drumbeats and accompanying song, and the illness becomes more attuned to other medicinal remedies.
Stories about drummers being able to influence weather conditions, such as inducing or dissuading thunder, rain and other elements through the vibrations sent into the atmosphere, are common among Indigenous people.
In these modern times, there are basically three types of drums used by Native people: single-headed drums, double-headed drums and kettle drums. All of these drums are beaten with sticks, of many shapes and sizes. Single-headed drums most commonly utilize deer hide, cow hide or caribou hide stretched across a wooden frame that has been soaked and formed into a circle. Many tribes across the hemisphere use this type of drum for hand games, courtship songs and healing songs.
The drum beat works as a conduit connecting the resonant sound of the human heartbeat and the rhythm of the heartbeat of Mother Earth. The First Nation culture teaches that the more drums are played, the more harmony, connection and understanding we have of one mind, one body and one spirit.
The drums will always beat loudly in our hearts even through the noise of the world, and every time your feet touch our Mother Earth our souls will feel the pull of those who walked before us.~ William Windwalker ~
Our Drum Guide
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Tsawaysia Spukwus whose English name is known as Alice Guss is a strong, committed and active in the preservation of her Culture and Heritage.
Tsawaysia participates in all aspects of First Nations culture, language, community, governance, education, traditional art forms, healing, recreation, singing, drumming, dancing and storytelling. Tsawaysia is a drum maker and has made over 10,000 drums. |
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The Drum is one of the oldest musical instruments in human history. Its relationship to us is profound, from peace to war, the drum has beaten aloud.
There are many processes involved with drums, the first being the making of the drum, understanding and giving thanks for the materials involved. These are sacred drums, their story starts from the moment one decides to make one. Sharing songs and storytelling are an important part throughout the making process, one receives empowerment through their creative ability in transforming Mother Earth's gifts. Once a drum is complete, its metamorphosis is complete and the drummers beats infuses it. Singing the songs of the ancestors, in groups, in healing circles or sacred rituals, the drum heartbeats grows stronger and stronger. |
Drum Making and Budo: The practice of Drum Making develops:
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[1] Tsawaysia Spukwus - www.tsawaysia.com
[2] Native People's Magazine - Drums: Heartbeat of Mother Earth by Harlan McKosato (Sac & Fox) - Jul-August 2009
[2] Native People's Magazine - Drums: Heartbeat of Mother Earth by Harlan McKosato (Sac & Fox) - Jul-August 2009
In the Coast Salish teachings four is a significant number. We practice our ceremony moving counterclockwise and our songs repeat four times. The image of the Thunderbird can represent supernatural (creator) Eagle for vision, Bear to go with our self conscious and understand our power. Killer whale carries the gift of the upper and lower world. These four beings shown in a movement of energy flowing counterclockwise. Int the centre of the drum is a medicine wheel that also has many teachings of the sacred fours.
Xwalacktun
www.xwalacktun.ca
Xwalacktun
www.xwalacktun.ca
