The HIDE

Rawhide comes from wild animals and will not be uniform in thickness or perfect in looks. There might be scarring, cut marks, and occasionally a hole near the edge of the round. I’ve made hundreds of drums with different species of rawhide with no issues, as it is the sound and the medicine it contains that holds the true power. Know that these imperfections do not compromise the voice of your drum. I will provide the best quality of rawhide and your drum will be your work of art. Consider any imperfection as the story of that particular animal, their Spirit voice speaking once again. 

No animal is ever killed for the hide, as the hide is a byproduct and generally goes to waste. By honoring and making use of the skin, the animal is respected, living on as medicine for the Earth and its inhabitants. Completing the circle of life in sacred reciprocity.

Before I work with any animal, I journey to connect with them, asking for permission and their blessings, making sure the animal wants to live on as medicine for our Pachamama. There has been times when they do not want to continue here in this dimension, and in those cases I simply release them and bury their hide back to the Earth. That said, the beings that are reincarnating into these drums, want to be here and be of service to the whole. Early in my journey as a drumdoula I had a powerful message come through from the overlying Deva of the Elks, thanking me for letting them live on as medicine, to in turn heal their habitat and help open the hearts of humanity.

Nature Of Rawhide

medicines

Elk Medicine 

Wapiti in native tongue.

Stamina, Strength, Perseverance, Nobility

My personal favorite is Elk, it's all about having the stamina to follow through in all our endeavors, especially multidimensional ones. Elk hide holds a powerful sound and resonance. It teaches us how to pace ourselves whereas we might not be the first to arrive, but we will arrive without burning out. Not trying for quick and easy as long and steady is the key to reaching our goals. 

Elk is a symbol of resilience, stamina and power to follow through therefore it is a great energy to have in a medicine drum to communicate and hold council with the other world. The times when we might be afraid, not sure or doubt something both in the Earthly realm or the Spirit realm, this energy will help us stay with the truth and follow through to the other side. Oftentimes this is where miracles happen. Call on the Elk when that extra courage, energy or reassurance is needed. The Elk is Matriarch, as the herd is run by a single female, therefore it honors the Divine Feminine.

Buffalo Medicine 

Bison

Prayer, Gratitude and Abundance

Buffalo is more metallic sounding though more stable in shifting weather conditions. Its medicine carries the wisdom that we are always provided for, it brings security and enoughness… It encourages us to walk a sacred path, honoring every aspect of life. A Buffalo totem will seek to help us establish a deep connection to Mother Earth. It brings strength of character and an independent Spirit. It is the totem of abundance. Not to push or force, but to follow the easiest path. Buffalo medicine is knowing that abundance is present when all relations are honored as sacred and when gratitude is expressed to every part of creation. Buffalo medicine is prayer, gratitude and praise. Praying for the needs of all creatures, for harmony and giving praise for the gifts we have already received.

Deer Medicine 

(including red stag which is a deer)

Unconditional Love, Gentleness, Sensitivity

Deer medicine is about gentleness and love, it is all heart. To defeat our demons with love. Very feminine. This hide itself is more sensitive when it comes to the weather, yet holds great resonance. Deer brings us the message of unconditional love for ourselves, and others accompanied by gentleness of Spirit that can heal all wounds. Deer helps us find Great Spirit and the beauty of life. Power of gentleness, love, alertness, camouflage, balance and attention to subtler outside influences are all attributes of Deer medicine. The ability to listen shows us how to walk gracefully and carefully. Deer teaches us empathy for others, soft direction and leadership abilities.

SYNTHETIC HIDE

I do not offer synthetic hides as they do not contain a Spirit and therefore are simply a musical instrument. Also, synthetic hide uses new resources and chemicals during its production, whereas natural hide is a byproduct that usually goes to waste. The drums I facilitate in birthing are medicine tools that hold vast prayers and healing for the Earth and all her children including the habitat for the animals that are still walking upon Her. It becomes a sacred hoop. The circle of life. 

Working only with hides that are sourced in a sustainable manner, no animal is ever killed for the hide, the hides are a byproduct that mostly gets left in the woods to decay, buried or be burned… The hides I work with are de-haired and stretched in a traditional way with reverence for the animal. No chemicals are used.

It’s a co-creation between a multitude of beings - including the Spirit of the drum that is anchored into our beloved Earth to animate and bring in the heartbeat of all life…

I believe with right relationship and sacred reciprocity, using these materials is an honor. There is a time and a place for synthetic hides, as these drums are reliable through the changes in temperature and humidity. They are stable and always great sounding.