important function within the tribe. They perform spiritual and physical healing with ceremonies when they enter the spiritual state. This is used to heal members of the tribe and keep them healthy both mentally and physically.
The altered state that a shaman enters when he performs the ritual is called a shamanic journey. This shamanic journey is used to give the shaman wisdom and help from the spirits. The shaman feels he is actually going someplace when he gains the assistance of the healing spirits, which is why it is referred to as a journey.
What are Shaman Drums?
Shaman drums are an important part of shamanism. The drum is the horse that the Shaman rides into other realms with. Usually the Shaman drum is a hand drum since these are much easier to manipulate during the process. The Shaman drum is played by beating with a soft mallet to create a soothing, monotone beat. Sometimes rattles are also used along with the Shaman drum to further create the soothing sound and atmosphere.
The drum has an important purpose all the way down to each detail such as symbols or painting on the drum. The painting on Shaman drums is usually a “map of the universe” or spiritual power of some sort. Shaman drums kept for decoration should be respected for their wonderful power and use.
Craig Chambers is an expert on Native American Shaman drums and offers extensive resources on his website www.nativeamericandrums.net
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