The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Drum
The Power of Sound

ORIGINS

A drum is a percussion instrument consisting of a hollow cylindrical shell with a membrane (also called a drumhead or drum skin) stretched over one or both ends. A sound is produced when the membrane is struck with the hand, a stick, a mallet, or another implement. The word drum is most likely of imitative origin, or onomatopoeia, meaning that the sound of the word is meant to imitate the sound associated with the object. Drums have many musical, ceremonial, spiritual, and military applications.

HISTORY/LORE

The drum is one of the world’s oldest musical instruments, dating back to 6000 B.C.E. in Mesopotamia. The ancient Greeks and Romans used a shallow circular drum called a tympanum in worship ceremonies. The “talking drum” of West Africa, whose tone can be regulated to mimic human speech, has been in use for 2,500 years. The drum kit—a collection of multiple drums played together—first appeared toward the end of the nineteenth century. Throughout history, drums have been used for military purposes, such as to rally troops or intimidate the enemy.

USES

In addition to enjoying the sound of drums in music, you may also consider incorporating drums into your spiritual practices. For example, shamanic drumming induces a trance-like state with the purpose of connecting with the spiritual dimension of existence. It typically starts out with a slow rhythm that steadily increases and then slows again at the end of the session. You might try listening to a recording of drums during meditation, or perhaps join a local drum circle to get in on the action and experience the unifying powers of this ancient instrument.