There are many types of Native American Drums and the one described here is actually from Mexico.

The Southwest Ceremonial Drum

    In the Southwest Culture, drums were used in many regions for different functions.  From calling members to a local meeting or for religious ceremony, the drum was utilized.  One such culture is the Tarahumara. In the Sierra Madre mountains of Northern Mexico ranging into the Copper Canyon, these local people are well known for their drum construction and use.  Sometimes cliff, cave or canyon dwellers they are further known for their long distance running through which outlying villages and communities remained in touch with each other. In fact, the Raramuri as they call themselves means runner or long distance runner. 

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The Tarahumara drum is a bent wood frame covered in tight hide laced skin. While available in different sizes for different applications, we chose a drum for a particular part of the house.  At 25 inches diameter and nearly 6 inches in depth. It produces a rich low tonal sound that is pleasing and also travels well, sometimes heard through miles of the canyons and cliffs of the area.   In everyday use this would be necessary to call participants from long distances for events.  The drum is struck with a moderate length wooden drumstick with a tightly wrapped leather head.  Decoration of the drum and stick is quite common although unadorned drums are also seen at various events.  The tribe is the second largest of the indigenous people of Mexico numbering approximately 60,000.    
    

The drum besides being functional, can act as an accent or even a focal point of a southwest decorated room or home.  We choose to hang our drum on an angle wall near the front door and the drum greets guests as they transition to a stepped down living room.  This location along with other accents creates a flow and a comfortable feeling to which Southwest decorating lends itself.  Depending on how you display your drum, accompanying items can help offset or highlight the drum.  In our case, a replica Native American Pipe is directly above the drum and together, these items create quite a lot of interest and subsequent conversation.  The trouble (I use the term lightly) comes when trying to restrict kids and grandkids from sounding the drum as they go by.  If you are looking for a wow factor that demonstrates your love for southwest style, you can't go wrong with such a combination.  Drums can be found at several locations and the locally produced ones usually come with a certificate of authenticity. 

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