Drums

Rawhide drums are one of the oldest and most sacred instruments made by human hands. Hide drums can be found in cultures from across the Americas, Africa, Europe, and throughout Asia. While there are a great many differences and varieties, examples of hide drums can be found in virtually every region that supports human life. At Kell Leather Craft, Annie and Kevin continue the tradition of sacred drum making shared with them by their teacher, Patrick Pinson of Cedar Mountain Drums. Continue reading below for more information about our drums and ritual drum making. Visit our events page for information about upcoming drum making workshops and drumming meditation circles.

Rawhide

Many cultures have experienced the beat of the drum as the heart beat of Mother Earth. The drum joins hide from the animal world with wood from the plant world to make a unity that helps put the drummer into a space of connection and balance. At Kell Leather Craft, we offer drums made from Elk, Deer, Moose, Buffalo (Bison), and Horse. Each hide is inspected for quality and treated with gratitude, dignity, and respect. No part of the hide goes to waste as what is left after drum making is used to make glue, shields, braids, and rattles.

Hoops

The wood of the hoop holds the strength of the drum and gives it its shape. Different drum making traditions have used various woods to make their hoops. At Kell Leather Craft, the majority of hoops are either cedar or maple. While most hoops are round, egg and oval shaped hoops are available as well. For information about Grandmother Drums, larger stand drums, feel free to contact us.

Ritual

“Prayer is the essence of drum making” – Patrick Pinson.

Drums are a sacred vehicle for meditation, prayer, and spiritual connection. Every step of the drum making process is an intentional ritual in honor of the animal and plant that form the drum itself. With offerings and song, the drums are made individually with care. In all things, it is essential to act in a good way, with intention and beauty.