The Drum
In Cree,
commonly referred to
as "Tawagun".In Ojibway, commonly
referred to as" Tewikan".In Sioux, commonly
referred to as " Chan-che-ga".Without the drum there
would be no Pow wow. People use different drums for
various occasions. The Pow wow drum is a large drum,
approximately one metre in diameter. It is the center
of the Pow wow celebration that can be used
to heal and unify all people. The drum
represents the circle
of life.
A drum is
made of wood and hide, both natural
materials. These materials represent honesty and
sharing.The wood comes from a tree. The tree gives
life so that we can build thedrum. The tree is also
telling us where life comes from.
Without
the sun and
the earth there would be no
trees - no life. The Anishinabe,
the people, were lowered to this earth by the
hand of the creator. The tree grows up toward
the creator, the source of its life and all of the life
on this earth. The hide is from an animal who gives its
life for the drum and in this way, represents the gift
of sharing . Once a drum has been made, it is usually
given to an individual or a group. Certain people are
given the responsibility or instructions in the makingof
the drum. It is never created as a craft or a toy. Before
the drum can be sounded at a Pow wow it must
be blessed through a special ceremony led
by an elder or a group of elders. Once the
ceremony has been completed the
drum maybe sounded at
any Pow wow.
There are usually
four or more
singers
around the
drum. A person is usually
given the responsibility of caring for
the drum. He is called the drum keeper or
the drum carrier.The drum beat is described
as the heartbeat of the people. The drum itself
is regarded as a sacred object to be treated
with respect. Each drum has a keeper to
ensure that no one approaches it under
the influence of alcohol or drugs, or
shows disrespect by reaching
across or setting things
on it.
Written by: Harold Flett
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