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HISTORIC OLD ANTIQUE NATIVE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST PUEBLO COCHITI HAND-HELD DANCING DRUM. THE DRUM'S BODY IS PAINTED IN ALTERNATING COLORS OF RED, YELLOW, AND WHITE JUST BELOW THE DRUM HEAD. THERE’S A PAINTED TRIBAL MARKING ON THE HEAD. THIS PUEBLO DRUM IS ORIGINAL IN ITS NATURAL STATE. THERE’S WEAR FROM OLD AGE AS SHOWN. MADE OF WOOD, RAWHIDE AND PAINT. THIS DRUM WAS ACQUIRED FROM AN ESTATE SALE IN LOS ANGELES, CA. THE DECEASED OWNER WAS AN AVID COLLECTOR AND WORLD TRAVELER. THE HOME WAS FILLED WITH EXQUISITE ANTIQUES AND FINE ART.
DIMENSIONS: 7” W x 5” W
Painted and unpainted drums of all sizes are used in pueblo ceremonies. The drum suggests the thunder that comes with rain. The drum has two heads. Pueblo songs are written to start slowly and then go to a climax. At a certain point in the song, the drum is flipped over to achieve a higher beat. This lifts the dancers and gives them the impetus to continue dancing.
Communicating With Ancestors and Spirits
One of the most prominent uses of Native American drums is to communicate with tribal ancestors and spirits. Many tribes believe that the beating of drums attracts the Great Spirit, the oft-referenced giver of all life in Native American traditions. Percussive rituals in drum circles are seen as ways to encourage spirits to watch over and protect those who call to them spiritually.
Holding Unique Spiritual Power
The history of the Native American drum extends beyond its uses and includes the materials with which they are made. The tree wood and animal hide that Native American drums are made with are considered just as important as using them to communicate with ancestral spirits. Many—if not all—Native American tribes saw animals as possessing unique spirits, which were to be deeply respected and revered. As such, the spirits from the rawhides live within the drum and contribute to the cultural significance of its use.
Different Drums for Different Purposes
Another key component of Native American drums is the difference between each drum for specific purposes. As you may imagine, hand drums and sweat lodge drums are common, largely because they were used for medicinal rituals and everyday traditions. There are also powwow drums, which are used for group gatherings, songs, celebrations, and similar events.
Crucial To Social and Spiritual Life
