Siberian Drums

For a Siberian shaman, his treasured drum, whether decorated or not is a means by which he undertakes his journey, with the help of his spirits, into the realms of non-ordinary reality. It is also a container for helper spirits at the time of journeying. The drum will often carry drawings and designs, unique to each shaman, that represent his strengths and the composition of his worlds.

Traditional drums are frequently structured from bird cherry wood and wrought copper, with a sounding area from the skin of deer or wild goat. These drums are often hung with bronze bells, tiny mirrors, ribbons and strips of leather, each to the specific needs of the shaman.