This is one of my larger drums and has an amazing resonance to it, good for healing sessions and shamanic journeying.

The skin used is Elk: Elk have stamina, Strength, Nobility, Elk teaches us how to pace ourselves.

The wood used in the hoop is Canadian Cedar. The cedar tree has been revered throughout history for its spiritual significance. The wood was used for the doors of sacred temples as well as being burned for cleansing ceremonies and for protection. It is said in the Himalayas, the cedar is called “deodar” from the Sanskrit word “devdar,” meaning timber of the gods.

The process I use to dye the skin for my drums is as simple as it is ancient
Using a combination of beet and pomegranate juice that I extract myself, as well as several different local herbs I allow the skins to sit overnight so that they soak up as much color as possible. it is said that Pomegranate and beet juices were among the first plant dyes used in ancient times.

Before making any tool such as drums or rattles, I first smudge myself and the skin saying a prayer to the animal that sacrificed itself for this special work.
I feel that it is important that the essence of the animal that gave up it’s skin know that it is being used in the creation of sacred tools.