The beating of the human heart. We respond to rhythmic when we sense it-and seek it out when it is not present for it is invariably pleasant. Little wonder that throughout the history of mankind, people from all over the world have prized drums-the instruments of rhythm. Perhaps no other people have attached a greater significance to the spirit of the drum than the Indian tribes of North America.
The drum has played an inherent role in the lives of Native Americans for centuries. Prior to battle, the beat of the drum aroused a sense of strength and solidarity. In gatherings of celebrations, it created a sense of social and spiritual harmony. In Taos, New Mexico, Pueblo Indians continue to express their deep spiritual awareness through ceremonial dances accompanied by the resonant pulsation of the drum.
It is at he foot of Sangre de Cristo mountains, in to venerable, five-story adobe dwellings, where the Taos Drum originated. And the workshops of Taos Drums, native craftsmen from Taos Pueblo continue the age-old tradition of drum making.
Every drum is crafted from natural materials and renewable resources over a year-long process. Drum frames are created from wood native to Northern New Mexico-cottonwood, aspen or pine.
All trees are harvested in a sustainable way under conscientious environmental standards. Logs are stripped of bark, hollowed out, cut into sections, then stored in a warehouse and slowly dried to prevent cracking. Dried wood is then leveled, rounded and sanded. Drum heads are made from cow, deer, elk or goat hides that have been thoroughly cleaned and scraped to maintain the highest level sound, appearance and durability.
After soaking the rawhide to make it pliable, the hide is hand scalloped stretched and secured with rawhide lacing to the frame. Each completed drum has its own distinct voice. The type of wood, the depth and diameter of the frame, the thickness and tightness of the hide, the thickness of the walls, temperature and humidity all effect the tone. The experts at Taos drums can work with you to match the best wood and hide for particular need and climate.
Over the years, Taos drums has gained international recognition as the caretakers of the original Taos Drum. While the age old drum making methods continue, Taos Drums has expanded upon the traditional by utilizing the bountiful artistic skills of three distinct cultures cultures of Northern New Mexico inhabitants. An evolving line of products created by Anglo, Hispanic and Native Americans artisans includes wrought iron lamps, rawhide lampshades, carved chairs drum tables, and elaborate line of painted drums.
If you are in Taos area, look for the giant teepees on the Taos Drums grounds located five miles south of Taos Plaza. Stop by for a free tour of our drum-making workshop and visit our showroom. You will find the world's largest selections of Indian drums, plus a diverse display of rawhide furnishings primitive folk art, ethnic crafts and jewelry, Indian music tapes, books on drumming and the region's best selection of Zapotec rugs.
Come, share in the spirit of the drum.....