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First Nations Drums

Sep 15, 2008

Grade 9 social studies students learned about First Nations art and culture through the creation of First Nations drums. Students conducted research, wrote essays and designed and produced their own authentic drums. The drums were showcased in a classroom art gallery and some students sold their drums online and donated the money to local charities.

First Nations Drums — Social Studies Grade 9 Lesson

The purpose of this assignment was to appreciate First Nations art and culture. Over a two-month period grade 9 students worked on the creation of authentic First Nations drums, building the drums from scratch. Students designed their own drums and took part in the entire process. Students were provided with yellow cedar for the drum frame and deer or elk skin for the drum cover. They were given the opportunity to showcase their drums in a classroom art gallery. Some students sold their drums on eBay after the showcase. One drum sold for $750. Some students chose to donate the profits to local charities. Here are some instructions for other teachers wanting to try this project.

Drum Research Project

Before beginning work on the drums, students learn about the importance of drums in First Nations cultures. Throughout history, drums have been used by many different Aboriginal cultures. Students are required to write an essay/report on the following topics:

Provide a brief explanation of the history of drums used by Aboriginal people around the world
Compare the various uses of these drums around the world
Compare and contrast the history and culture of the drums of First Nations Canadians
Provide a brief overview of the history of the drum for First Nations people along the west coast of BC

Criteria for the Drum Report

The typed written essay must include a bibliography and the following:

Background information
Connections between topics
Supporting details and references/examples
Relevant information
Address key information
Reliable sources cited
Valid information
A summary
Accurate interpretation
Clear paragraphs and transitions

Drum-Making Instructions — Full Student Involvement!

(A quicker, easier version of this assignment is possible using a prepared drum kit, which comes with a circular wooden base hoop, pre-cut, pre-punched skins and pre-cut laces.)

Wooden Base:

Cut a 1x2 board into 13 pieces three inches in length. Cut at a 45-degree angle.
Arrange the 13 pieces into a circular base hoop and attach using wood glue and zap straps. Let dry overnight.
Once dry, the base hoop should be sent home to be sanded by the students.

Drum Cover:

Using tanned deer or elk skin, cut out a circle that is roughly two inches larger in circumference than the wooden base.
Each deer skin should make approximately two or three drum covers.
Cut the leftover material to make one long lace. Cut the skin thin and long.
Using a leather punch, make holes every two inches around the circular skin cover. The holes should be about half an inch from the edge of the skin. Holes can also be made after the material has been soaked.

Soaking Time:

Once drum bases are so sanded and smooth they won’t cut the leather when stretched over the base, the skins and laces are ready to be soaked.
Place skins in empty garbage cans and cover with cold water. Weigh down skins and laces with rocks so the skins do not float to the surface.
Soak the skins for no more than 24 hours!

Stretching Time:

After soaking the skins, students should remove them and place the smooth side of the skin flat on their desks. The wooden base should be positioned in the middle of the skin. Using the lace, students should tie the drum using an over-and-under fashion through the holes on the edge of the skin. There are various ways to tie the drum, but it needs to be tied in the same direction. The skin will eventually tighten into a pouch over the top of the wooden frame. Using the additional length of lace, tie off the remainder to fasten the drum as tightly as possible.
Students are encouraged to tie off the drums as creatively as they please.
Drums should be left to dry at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours.

Decorating the Drum:

There are two things to consider when painting the drum: is this an art piece, or is it meant to be played?
If students wish their drum to be solely a piece of art, then they should use acrylic paint, which will give the drum a finer finished look.
If students wish to play the drum, they must use powder paint or stain so the drum won’t flake when it’s played.
Students may wish to study various First Nations imagery and icons as inspiration. Often students find it easiest to paint a favourite West Coast- or Haida-inspired animal on their drum.