Our Drums
Handmade in Sacred Space
Drums have been used throughout the world and throughout human history for ritual, ceremony, communication, connection, and even entertainment. Perhaps the earliest of human musical instruments, the drum brings back the heartbeat of the Mother, both on a personal and planetary level. This business is named for and in honor of Gaia, both in her aspect of Mother Goddess of All, but also in the scientific aspect of the personification of the interconnected web of life on this planet. We truly are all related and we forget this at our own peril.
We at Gaia's Workshop Drums do art from our hearts with respect for those who have gone before and for those who are to come, working with the guidance of the gods, the ancestors, the honored teachers, and our sacred connection with the Mother.
All Drums are Custom Made. Allow about 2-3 weeks for your drum’s creation.
As with all drums, the larger drums have lower vibrations. These drums come with a standard beater and suede handle wrap in your choice of color.
If you need your drum by a certain date, please let us know right away.
For Drums currently in stock, please visit our Etsy shop at www.etsy.com/shop/GaiasWorkshopDrums
Laced Drums
Harmonic Shamanic Drums
We created the Harmonic Shamanic line of drums for those who really care about the sound and feel of their sacred instrument. These drums have had been "honed and toned" through special techniques of construction, setting the head, and drying, developed by a master drum maker and an experienced jazz/rock percussionist. Together, we make instruments that have balance, harmonics and tone, that are more comfortable to hold and to play, and that are in integrity with the animals and plants who have given their lives so that these drums may live.
Our lacing and handles have been developed to make the stretch on the head more even around the hoop. Because our drums have five handles, instead of the traditional four, they fit your hand better than the other types we have seen. In this way, we recognize both the four elemental directions and spirit, which is a part of everything.
While our drums are drying, we smudge them frequently with sage, amber, sweetgrass & other sacred herbs. This not only keeps the energy pure and beautiful, it lays down a layer of smoke that helps the drums be more resilient to weather and temperature changes (of course, all hide drums are going to have some variations). We also talk to them and smooth the sides as they dry. When the drums come to life, they just sound and feel wonderful!
As with all drums, the larger drums have lower vibrations. These drums are available with a full wrap or scalloped sides. They come with a standard beater in your choice of color.
Spirit Drums
Our Spirit Line of Drums are made in honor of the Ancestors of this land and their descendants who have chosen to share their sacred knowledge and wisdom with the rest of us. Like our "Harmonic Shamanic" drums, these drums have had a special treatment of "honing & toning" developed by a Master Drum maker and an experienced Jazz/Rock percussionist, which brings into balance the animal spirit, the tree spirit, the masculine and the feminine. We invite you to interact with the broader wilderness of sound. These drums are made with a four spoke central handle in honor of the medicine wheel and the gifts of the four directions.
As with all drums, the larger drums have lower vibrations. These drums are available with a full wrap or scalloped sides. They come with a standard beater in your choice of color.
Seven Sisters Drums
These drums have a seven spoke handle and bring in both the Pleiades Constellation and the seven sided fairy star. This is another drum that demanded to be made, and I am glad to see it finally manifested in reality. Each drum will be custom made for its person in your choice of hide and size.
Our Drums are made for those who really care about the sound & the energy of their drum. These drums have excellent harmonics similar to our Harmonic Shamanic drums. All our drums have had a special treatment of "honing & toning" developed by a Master Drummaker and an experienced Jazz/Rock percussionist, which brings into balance the animal spirit, the tree spirit, the masculine and the feminine. We invite you to interact with the broader wilderness of sound. This drum is made with 21 lacings and a seven spoke handle.
Manifestation
Drum
These drums have nine holes with three groups of three lacings each -- "By the power of three times three, as I will, so mote it be!" They are sweet drums which carry the energy of love and circulation in deer and resonate with the third eye in horse. The head is thin so that it can be played with either a beater or your hands & fingers. It has a high vibration with nice resonance. The sides of the drum have been scalloped to reveal the beautiful maple wood frame. The energy is very strong in this drum.
Nine Worlds Drums
This drum emerged from my Manifestation drum, a small drum with nine lacings and a triple handle. The numbers three and nine are very important to several of the paths I study, the most notable being the Northern European (Norse or Heathen) and the Celtic/Druid. In creating a larger drum with the same sacred numbers, I created a three spoke handle that triples itself to nine. This drum is created to explore the nine worlds, hence its name.
This drum can be made of Red Stag Deer, Elk or Horse Rawhide drum on a 13" (cedar only), 15", 18" or 20" (maple or cedar) Hoop. Both Red Stag Deer (also known as the Hart of Celtic legend), Horse and Maple are native to Europe. The cedar hoops are fairly strong but quite lightweight. The maple hoops are machine made, quite strong but heavy.
We make each one for the person for whom it is intended and the climate in which it will live. Please allow time for this. If you have any special requests, be sure to let us know. The drum pictured is representative, yours will be similar. A soft suede handle wrap is included.
A standard beater, color coordinated with your handle wrap, is included.
Other Styles of Drums We Make
Laced Shaman Drums
European Pegged Drums
Community & Large Drums
