The Drum The First Musical Instrument A long time ago there was a prophet who lived among the Anishnabe, which means the Ojibway nation. This Prophet was a musician who fashioned the first musical instrument.    The Drum, rattle and flute made music ~ the utterance of the soul. For the Prophet there was a song and chant for every mood and occasion ~ his music is still carried on to this day. He continues to make music through the river, rocks, leaves, trees, mountains, birds and men. Through music he utters the sound of the soul.    There are many elements of creation that form the Sacred Circle. The Buffalo is part of the Sacred Circle. The Buffalo was our brother in spirit. He gave us everything we needed in life, our tipis, robes and clothing. Buffalo skin made our Drum. Bones made our knives and needles. Horns became our spoons and ladles. Hooves for our rattles. Sinew for our bowstring and thread for our clothing. His flesh became our flesh and his flesh gave us strength. His skull made our sacred altar. The Drum is alive and sacred. The Buffalo is the spirit of all things. The Drum is a messenger. The Drum protects us. We have our sacred duties and responsibilities to care for and protect the Drum. We regularly cleanse our Drum. Cleansing is done through smudging, praying and feasting once a year. ~Ojibway Teaching. Author Unknown. This page courtesy of a druid and witches cauldron This page may be used for religious education by nonprofit groups providing information content, copyrights and credits are not altered and/or deleted. Layout, graphics and design may be changed to suit individual needs. ~ 2001 Indigo Bridge Cooperative