What makes each Shamanic Drums voice unique?
When one recalls their first encounter with a Shamanic Drum, it's often the resonance of its voice that lingers in memory—a primal echo that reverberates deep within the soul. In searching for one’s own Shamanic Drum, people are often searching for that sound, that voice, that will continue to call them deep within. So let’s look to understand all the different qualities that shape their voices and sacred rhythms.
In the group heartbeat of drumming circles and the discussions on our Drum Birthing workshops, it is clear to see and experience that every drum has a distinct and unique voice. There are many factors that may determines the voice of a drum, many of which are out of our control, even as drum makers.
The Unique Voice of Each Drum
While size undoubtedly plays a role, with larger drums typically producing louder and deeper tones, it is not easy to predict what sound a drum will make. Factors such as hide thickness also contribute, with thicker hides yielding solid tones and thinner hides offering a mix of overtones and undertones. The shape of the drum also plays a part in this, as we have found with our ovoid drums which create a variety of different tones.
For years, I wondered whether the different hides—horse, reindeer and stag—made the biggest difference in a drum's sound. Initially, I believed horse drums gave solid, deep tones, compaired to reindeer drums which resonated with a more overtones and undertones. However, through numerous blind sound tests, I've discovered that this assumption often misses the mark. The truth lies in the enigmatic mix of different "X" factors that defy prediction.
Embracing the Mystery
This is in contrast to Shamanic Rattles, where the sound can be more deliberately crafted with each addition of stone or shell. The drum’s sound, however, remains elusive and uncontainable. A drum's voice reveals itself only after a week of drying, a magical moment when you first hear it resonate with healing tones. This is what I love about drums - it is a far more organic process, and why we call it "birthing", as this is all part of the mix and magic of the Spirit of the Drum.
Beyond the Ego
For many in the pursuit of the deepest-sounding drum, often the ego often clouds our judgment, fueling a desire to be the one with the deepest drum in the room. Yet, within the rhythmic tapestry of a drum circle, each voice, each tone, contributes its own magic and medicine. It's a reminder that diversity enriches the collective experience, and every drum has a vital role to play in the symphony of sound. And each of these drums, with their tones, brings their own unique healing essence to us and the sacred work with share.
For those who are looking for a drum with a specific sound, our Shamanic Drums on our Online Shop each include a recording so you can hear it before you order. For those who would like to birth their own drum, on our Drum Birthing workshops, or those who are ordering a Bespoke drum to be birthed for them, weaving in their own prayers, hearing and connecting with the voice of your drum will be part of growing that magical relationship and connection.
We have more information on the spiritual associations of all the animal and tree spirits that we work with in our Shamanic Drums on our Choosing a Shamanic Drum page.