Southwest Decor: Four Distinct Indian Drum Songs

by Craig Chambers

by Craig Chambers

While Native American Indian drums have their own very special place within traditional culture, they also make a great addition to your homes southwest decor. The drums can form the centerpiece for entertainment at a traditional council or meeting, also known as a powwow, where singers and dancers gather to perform.

Authentic native drums are great additions to southwest decor and make a distinctive accessory for any rustic log home, lodge, ranch or cabin. As many are made from natural cedar and cowhide with intricate lacing, they can also become a great conversational piece at your home.

Native American Indian drums appear at all the important social and cultural events and the best drummers and performers travel a circuit around the country, engaging different cultures and introducing different styles and repertoires nationwide. The best drummers and singers are in high demand as committee organizers set up their next powwow.

While there are many thousands of songs that have been composed for various occasions and have been handed down through the years, it is sometimes difficult for an outsider or a newcomer to appreciate the subtle differences. However, certain songs are reserved for specific occasions and designed to highlight a particular event. The top four Indian drum songs are heard during flag ceremonies, contests, veteran celebrations and when quitting or rounding off the festivities.

It's a little-known fact that there may be as many as eight people to a drum during entertainment. Men are expected to actually strike the drum and ladies to sit behind and sing. It is important that songs are not repeated during the performance, ensuring that the artists have a large repertoire.

Adherence to tradition is a very important part of native American culture and when the flag songs are performed, all those present must stand and be silent until it is complete. Everyone who attends a powwow or celebration is expected to adhere and the same applies when the veteran's songs are performed as part of the evening repertoire. The veteran songs have been especially written to commemorate the service of the brave, specific to the various wars or places of combat. Once again, everyone must remain standing to show their support.

One of the key drum song performances often heard at traditional Native American Indian gatherings heralds the contest, which is designed to promote active participation and interaction, allowing judges to determine a winner. Intertribal dance songs are often included. At the end of the powwow, another tradition dictates that the quitting song is aired and that nobody should leave before it is complete.

Southwest decor themes often call for the incorporation of some Native American Indian drum sets. These items are also very popular with students of music and those who study America's rich cultural heritage.

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