Deer Hide Drums

All of the hides I use are ethically sourced from local hunters. I began drum making in the fall of 2020. I researched our ancestors' ways of drum making and it has become a form of meditation for me. I start processing the hide right off of the animal and it ends up as a unique drum with its own personality. I am humbly thankful for each opportunity I get to work with animal medicine. Deer represent unconditional love and childlike innocence. Some people say, "if you see a deer, it means good luck." But for me, I am lucky every time I get to see one of these amazing animals, whether it be in a tree stand or on the side of a busy road. Some of the drums below were made with others' personal intentions and other customizations.
Drum cases were hand stitched and mallets were intuitively made.