Ceremonial Cochiti Pueblo Natural Wooden Drum with Beater

This vintage Cochiti Pueblo drum remains in its original unpainted state. Although adding colorful images, designs, and patterns to drums is appealing, the beauty often comes through best when left unadorned. This drum is a light tan color on top and bottom made from cowhide, and includes brown leather lacing in between. A drum beater is included, made from a tree branch and light tan leather.

Painted and unpainted drums of all sizes are used in pueblo ceremonies. Pueblos that do not have a drum maker will procure through purchase or trade, drums from another pueblo known for making drums. Pueblo songs are written to start slowly and then go to a climax. At a certain point of the song, the drum is flipped over to achieve a higher beat. This lifts the dancers and gives them the impetus to continue dancing.