Drummer Cafe Community Forum

I saw / heard / felt a large Pow Wow drum for the first time recently and was really impressed.

The drum I saw looked a hundred years old, all gristly and nasty, with some notched guiro sheep horn along one edge, 30 plus inches in diameter, made of buffalo skin. It looked like it had been to many a pow wow.

A couple guys were playing it at the same time, each with one big headed beater, swinging big open bass counter beats to each other. The bass notes were like they were coming from subs, total feel them in the pit of your belly.

All of which has made me decide I must have one.  :)

Don't know how I'll fit it in my afro-cuban rig, but I'll try. I've put money down and the drum maker is working to soak the hair off the buffalo skin. I'll get a 36 inch drum, about 14 inches deep, made of cedar, the skin stretched tight with raw hide. I'm considering maybe a 30 inch diameter for easier hauling, I've time to change my mind.

Anyone familar with these drums?
Any advice?

My son sings with a drum group for Pow Wows. Very interesting stuff. Even though he and his fellow members are all white guys they spent a lot of time working with willing Native American people to make sure they did everything in a proper and respectful manner. They have played for Pow Wows all over the U.S. and I have to say that they are one of a very few non NA groups who are well accepted by the community.
I'll try to find out some more specific info for you but I know that there is a ritual involved that is required before performing on their drum. The drum itself is a very highly regarded instrument and is placed in the care of one of the members. It must be properly cared for and kept in a place of respect in the caretakers home. No dumping it in the closet or using it as a spare cocktail table.
I've seen some drums using different types of animal hide heads. There are also many types of shells used and I've even seem some very traditional groups use converted drum set bass drums.
Pow Wows vary according to regional differences and are generally broken up into northern and southern styles. The group that plays the drum and sings is referred to as "The Drum". I'm most familiar with northern style. The drumming pattern is usually continous eighth notes with the accents on the beat. During the course of a song the lead singer will sometimes place accents on the off beats at very prescribed places within the song. Pow Wow drumming is not quite as pc as the rest of the world and while women may sing along I can't remember ever seeing a female seated at the drum or playing a drum. They usually stand behind the drummers and sing along.
Anybody who has an opportunity to observe a traditional Pow Wow should make an effort to attend. The drumming and singing is absolutely hypnotic and if you can find someone to explain how the songs relate to the dancers actions it will be a real experience for you.
Good luck with your drum.