Selecting a Shamanic Drum

One of the most useful drums for shamanic work is the frame drum. The single-headed frame drum originated in Siberia along with shamanism itself thousands of years ago. It has been associated worldwide with the practice of shamanism. The frame drum's resonance and versatility make it my drum of preference. Such drums are portable, affordable, and easy to play. They can easily be held in one hand, leaving the other hand free to stroke the drum. They are made by stretching a wet rawhide over a wooden frame, then allowing it to dry slowly. The frame or hoop is typically three inches or less in width and may vary from eight to twenty-four inches in diameter. They may be single-headed or double-headed. Like all rawhide drums, they do not have a fixed pitch. Heating and cooling the drumhead raises and lowers the tone.

Synthetic frame drums can also be used in shamanic work. Each has a unique sound, energy and spirit. Like rawhide drums, synthetic drums can be a vessel for spirit. The drum shell and polyester drumhead are composed of organic compounds that come from the living Earth. You can also infuse spirit into the drum by painting and decorating it. The Remo Company manufactures a Native American inspired "Buffalo" frame drum that comes with a rope handle, mallet, and a plain synthetic head that can be decorated. One great advantage to playing a synthetic drum is that it will hold a consistent tone, even in the pouring rain.

Though I highly recommend frame drums, any type of drum may be used in shamanic drumming. There is a myriad of styles and drum types to choose from. Congas, doumbeks, djembes, ashikos, tablas, and timbales are but a few of the drum types readily available in music stores. In selecting a suitable drum, play several and listen for the drum that calls to you. You will know it by its voice. It will strike a deep chord within you.