Building a Drum

Author: Steve Wheeler, Missisquoi Abenaki. Written February 2025.

Both my brother Jeff and myself were taught how to build hand drums by a Nulhegan Tribal member about 6 years ago and we have continued this process making many drums and sharing the teachings with others.

The process starts with obtaining white cedar boards that will need to be milled and planed. From there, the sections are cut and the frame is glued.

We try to gather the animal rawhide from Indigenous hunters or purchasing through an Indigenous company. We primarily use deer hides. But have also used buffalo and elk.

As our drum is built we are mindful in respecting the process and the materials that have been used to build this sacred instrument.

I don’t always include artwork on my drums, but on occasion am inspired to ask my wife to paint a design on a drum for me.

The first time you hear your drum sing, after opening it, is very beautiful and makes the whole process very worth it!

The drum with the hawk painting was my first drum. The drum next to it is made with buffalo hide.

Another drum below, with a bear claw design for a friend.