Authentic Native American Style Sweat Lodge Drum - Handcrafted Ceremonial Drum for Meditation, Rituals & Spiritual Healing - Perfect for Yoga Studios, Retreats & Sacred Gatherings

Product Description

Sweat Lodge Drum Handmade from genuine buffalo rawhide, this drum has a great sound and is just the right size for use when sweating. The buffalo hide gives it a superb sound and it won't go flat in the steam. Measures 13" x 6-1/2" deep, includes a traditional drumstick with buckskin covered head. Effects of Weather & Humidity When they are first made, handmade rawhide drums are tied tightly; however, this will vary from one maker to the next. Tightness depends a great deal on the relative humidity and the temperature as well as the thickness of the hide. While a rawhide drum might be very tight in one area of the country, it could be less tight and even sound flat if the humidity is high in another part of the country. If the humidity is particularly high and the drum is outside, a normally nice sounding drum can sound rather flat. Temperature control at powwows When singers are at an outdoor powwow and have a supper break or similar period of not singing, they will quite often cover the drum with a blanket to help keep it warm. If the sun is still up, they often stand the drum on its side in the sun to help keep it tight and have at times been known to use a hair dryer to help warm it up. The Osage Tribe has a special position in their Ilonshka Dance that is known as "Drum Warmer". This is normally filled by two fellows who warm the drum before the dance in order to keep it at the right tightness, depending on the weather at the time. Caring for your drum How to protect your drum We take loving care of what we hold as sacred, and both you and the drum are sacred. You treat your drum as you would a nurtured little one, avoiding extremes in temperature changes. The natural law for skin is that heat constricts and water expands so if the drum gets too dry, it will tighten and either will crush the rim, break the lacings or split the drumhead. If you are storing the drum, keep it wrapped with blankets. If you are in dry conditions you can place a large damp towel over the drum so that moisture gets to each side of the drum. Once the towel is placed, cover the drum and towel with a blanket to protect it. Keep covered in the winter The artificial gas heat in the winter is hard on drums, so it is recommended that the drum stay covered during the winter months when not in use. Tips to remember NEVER leave your drum in a hot car unprotected. Spray your drum with water often or put a damp washcloth inside your drum so it doesn’t get tight. Store your drum in a drum case when not in use. Don't leave your drum in direct sunlight. Apply a coating of Shea Butter or other leather conditioner.