Southwest Decor: Four Distinct Indian Drum Songs
If you want to enhance your Southwest decor, you could do worse than choose some Indian drums. The native American artifacts are very popular within their culture and are often chosen to lead the entertainment at a meeting or traditional council, better known as a powwow. Singers and dancers gather around the drum.
Authentic native drums are great additions to southwest decor and make a distinctive accessory for any rustic log home, lodge, ranch or cabin. As many are made from natural cedar and cowhide with intricate lacing, they can also become a great conversational piece at your home.
Every year, a circuit of events around the country attracts top native American Indian drum performances as the various styles and repertoire are introduced amongst the different cultures and tribes. Event committee organizers are keen to attract the best singers and drummers as they set up their next powwow.
Sometimes Indian drum songs are very confusing to outsiders, who are often not able to understand the subtle differences. However, thousands of these songs, specific to various occasions, have been passed down through the generations and are very traditional. Songs can be attributed to particular events and occasions and the top four Indian drum songs are heard during contests, veteran tributes, flag ceremonies and when quitting, or finishing off the performance.
It’s a little-known fact that there may be as many as eight people to a drum during entertainment. Men are expected to actually strike the drum and ladies to sit behind and sing. It is important that songs are not repeated during the performance, ensuring that the artists have a large repertoire.
Flag songs celebrate the tribe and it is expected that all those present stand and be silent as this most important Indian drum song is performed. The flag must be given proper respect. Native American culture is steeped in tradition and it is expected that all who attend a powwow or celebration accept this. Just as the flag song is an important part of the repertoire for native American Indian drummers, the veteran’s songs must also garner everyone’s respect. Songs have been written and performed for veterans who have served in all major combat arenas and everyone must stand to show their appreciation.
One of the key drum song performances often heard at traditional Native American Indian gatherings heralds the contest, which is designed to promote active participation and interaction, allowing judges to determine a winner. Intertribal dance songs are often included. At the end of the powwow, another tradition dictates that the quitting song is aired and that nobody should leave before it is complete.
Native American Indian drums make excellent items if you are theming your home with Southwest decor. Should you be a student of music you may also find them fascinating as part of our country’s rich heritage.
