Taos Pueblo Natural Wood Drum with Beater

Taos Pueblo Vintage Drum (Unpainted)

This remarkable Taos Pueblo vintage drum retains its original, unpainted state, allowing the beauty of the natural materials to take center stage. While other Pueblos, such as Cochiti, are known for their colorful painted designs, the tradition at Taos Pueblo often emphasizes the inherent artistry of the materials themselves, which this piece beautifully embodies.

The drum features a light, uniform tan color across both the top and bottom heads, crafted from cowhide, which is tightly secured by contrasting brown leather lacing around the wooden body. A simple drum beater, made from a natural tree branch and wrapped in matching light tan leather, is included.

Both painted and unpainted drums of various sizes are vital, sacred instruments in Pueblo life, integral to ceremonies and dances. The music is characterized by a deliberate build: Pueblo songs typically start slowly, gaining tempo and intensity until they reach a powerful climax. At this key point, the drum is traditionally flipped over to achieve a higher, sharper beat, dramatically lifting the dancers and providing the impetus to continue the vigorous performance.

This drum is a powerful, unadorned representation of Taos Pueblo's enduring artistic and ceremonial traditions.

TAG: Taos Pueblo, Tuah-Tah