4.1 Traditional musical instruments

Native American musical instruments are deeply rooted in cultural traditions and spirituality. From drums and flutes to rattles and whistles, these instruments play vital roles in ceremonies, storytelling, and community gatherings. They connect Indigenous peoples to their heritage and the natural world.

Crafted from natural materials, traditional instruments reflect the environment and beliefs of each tribe. Contemporary Native musicians are adapting these instruments, blending ancient sounds with modern genres. This fusion preserves cultural heritage while creating innovative expressions of Indigenous identity.

Types of traditional instruments

• Traditional Native American instruments are diverse and vary by region and tribe
• Instruments are often crafted from natural materials found in the local environment
• The three main categories of traditional instruments are percussion, wind, and string

Percussion instruments

Top images from around the web for Percussion instruments

• 

  Category:Native American musical instruments - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Music of the Original Americans – GlobalMusix: Contemporary Music Throughout the World View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rattles - Download Free 3D model by Världskulturmuseerna (@varldskulturmuseerna) [b2e5f19 ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Native American musical instruments - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Music of the Original Americans – GlobalMusix: Contemporary Music Throughout the World View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Percussion instruments

• 

  Category:Native American musical instruments - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Music of the Original Americans – GlobalMusix: Contemporary Music Throughout the World View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Rattles - Download Free 3D model by Världskulturmuseerna (@varldskulturmuseerna) [b2e5f19 ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Native American musical instruments - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Music of the Original Americans – GlobalMusix: Contemporary Music Throughout the World View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Drums are the most common percussion instrument, made from wood, animal hides, and other natural materials
  • Hand drums (frame drums) are played with the hands or mallets
  • Pow wow drums are large, communal drums played by multiple drummers simultaneously
• Rattles are shaken to create rhythmic patterns, often accompanying songs and dances
  • Gourd rattles are made from dried gourds filled with seeds or pebbles
  • Turtle shell rattles use the hollowed shell of a turtle with pebbles inside
• Bells and jingles, often made from copper or other metals, are attached to clothing for ceremonial dances (jingle dress)

Wind instruments

• Flutes are made from wood, bone, or reed and are used for solo performances and courtship
  • Plains flutes have a distinct sound and are often played in a minor pentatonic scale
  • Cherokee river cane flutes are made from native river cane and have a softer tone
• Whistles, often carved from wood or bone, are used for signaling and in some ceremonial contexts
  • Eagle bone whistles are sacred instruments used in Sun Dance ceremonies
• Horns and trumpets, made from conch shells or animal horns, are used for announcements and in warrior societies (Lakota elk horn trumpet)

String instruments

• Musical bows, such as the Apache tsii'edo'a'tl, use a single string stretched over a curved stick, plucked or strummed
• Fiddles, introduced by European traders, were adopted and adapted by some Native American tribes (Cherokee fiddle)
• Lutes and guitars, while less common, can be found in some contemporary Native American music (Navajo guitar)

Materials used in construction

• Native American instruments are traditionally made from natural materials sourced from the local environment
• The choice of materials is influenced by availability, cultural significance, and the desired sound quality
• Synthetic materials and modern tools are sometimes used in contemporary instrument-making

Natural materials

• Wood is a common material for crafting flutes, drums, and other instruments
  • Cedar, juniper, and redwood are often used for flutes due to their durability and tonal qualities
  • Maple, oak, and cottonwood are used for drum frames and other percussion instruments
• Animal parts, such as hides, bones, and horns, are used in the construction of various instruments
  • Elk, deer, and buffalo hides are stretched over drum frames to create drumheads
  • Eagle bones are carved into whistles for sacred ceremonies
  • Elk and buffalo horns are made into trumpets and used in warrior societies
• Plant materials, such as gourds, reeds, and grasses, are used for rattles, flutes, and other instruments
  • Gourds are dried and filled with seeds or pebbles to create rattles
  • River cane is used to make Cherokee flutes
  • Cattail reeds are woven into percussion instruments and used as flute material

Synthetic materials

• Modern instrument makers sometimes incorporate synthetic materials for durability and consistency
  • Nylon strings may replace traditional gut or sinew strings on musical bows and fiddles
  • Plastic drumheads may be used in place of animal hides for easier maintenance
  • Metal tuning pegs and hardware are used on some contemporary instruments
• The use of synthetic materials is a topic of debate among traditional artists and cultural practitioners

Decorative elements

• Instruments are often adorned with decorative elements that hold cultural and spiritual significance
  • Beadwork, quillwork, and carved designs are added to instruments to represent tribal affiliations, sacred symbols, and personal stories
  • Feathers, fur, and leather fringes are attached to instruments as offerings and for ceremonial purposes
  • Natural pigments, such as ochre and charcoal, are used to paint designs on instruments
• The decorative elements on an instrument can convey the artist's creativity, the instrument's purpose, and the cultural context in which it is used

Techniques for playing

• Each type of traditional Native American instrument requires specific techniques to produce the desired sound
• Proper technique is essential for creating the authentic tones and rhythms associated with the instrument
• Playing techniques are passed down through generations and are often tied to cultural practices and beliefs

Proper hand positioning

• For percussion instruments, hand positioning varies depending on the type of drum or rattle
  • Frame drums are typically held in one hand and struck with the other, using the fingers, palm, or a mallet
  • Pow wow drums are played with drumsticks, with the drummers sitting around the drum and striking it in unison
• Flutes are held horizontally, with the player's hands positioned to cover the finger holes
  • The placement of the fingers determines the pitch of the notes played
  • Some flutes, like the Plains flute, have a specific finger hole for the player's breath control

Breathing techniques

• Wind instruments, such as flutes and horns, require controlled breathing to produce sound
  • Circular breathing, a technique where the player inhales through the nose while simultaneously pushing air out of the mouth, allows for continuous playing
  • Diaphragmatic breathing, which involves breathing from the diaphragm rather than the chest, provides greater breath control and support
• Proper breathing techniques are essential for maintaining the steady airflow needed to create the desired tone and volume

Unique playing styles

• Many Native American instruments have distinct playing styles that are rooted in cultural traditions
  • The Plains flute is often played with a vibrato effect, created by fluctuating the breath and finger pressure
  • Cherokee flutes incorporate sliding tones and half-holing, where the player partially covers the finger holes to bend the pitch
  • Pow wow drumming often involves intricate rhythmic patterns and call-and-response singing
• Improvisation is a key element in many traditional playing styles, allowing musicians to express their creativity and emotions through the instrument

Cultural significance

• Traditional Native American instruments play a vital role in the cultural practices and identity of Indigenous communities
• Instruments are used in ceremonies, storytelling, and social gatherings to connect people with their heritage and the natural world
• The cultural significance of instruments varies among tribes, each with their own unique traditions and beliefs

Ceremonial uses

• Many instruments are considered sacred and are used in religious and spiritual ceremonies
  • The drum is often seen as the heartbeat of Mother Earth and is used in prayer and healing rituals
  • Flutes are played in ceremonies to honor the Creator and to bring blessings to the community
  • Rattles and bells are used in purification rituals and to ward off negative energy
• The specific ceremonial uses of instruments are guided by tribal traditions and the teachings of elders

Storytelling through music

• Instruments are used to accompany stories and songs that pass down cultural knowledge and history
  • Drumming and singing are often used to recount the stories of creation, heroes, and important events
  • Flute music can evoke the sounds of nature and the emotions of the characters in a story
  • The rhythms and melodies of the instruments help to engage the audience and make the stories more memorable
• Storytelling through music is an essential way of preserving and sharing cultural identity across generations

Regional variations

• The types of instruments and their cultural significance can vary greatly between different regions and tribes
  • The Plains region is known for its use of the Plains flute and the pow wow drum in ceremonies and social gatherings
  • In the Southwest, the Apache fiddle and the Navajo guitar are popular instruments for social dances and celebrations
  • The Eastern Woodlands region is home to the water drum and the Cherokee river cane flute, which are used in ceremonial and personal contexts
• These regional variations reflect the unique histories, environments, and cultural practices of the Indigenous peoples who live there

Role in oral traditions

• Traditional Native American instruments are integral to the oral traditions of Indigenous communities
• Instruments accompany songs and stories that transmit cultural knowledge, history, and values across generations
• The use of instruments in oral traditions helps to engage listeners, evoke emotions, and create a shared cultural experience

Accompanying songs

• Instruments provide the musical backdrop for traditional songs, which often tell stories, express emotions, or convey spiritual messages
  • Drumming accompanies songs in social dances, pow wows, and ceremonial gatherings
  • Flute music is used to accompany love songs, lullabies, and personal prayers
  • Rattles and bells provide rhythmic accents to songs used in healing and purification rituals
• The combination of instrumental music and vocal performance creates a powerful and immersive storytelling experience

Rhythmic patterns

• Specific rhythmic patterns are associated with different types of songs and cultural contexts
  • The steady beat of the pow wow drum represents the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the unity of the community
  • Syncopated rhythms in Cherokee flute music mimic the flowing water of rivers and streams
  • The intricate rhythms of the Apache fiddle reflect the complex footwork of social dances
• These rhythmic patterns help to convey the intended meaning and emotion of the songs and stories they accompany

Improvisation vs composed pieces

• While some traditional songs and instrumental pieces are composed and passed down through generations, improvisation plays a significant role in Native American music
  • Flute players often improvise melodies based on their emotions, the environment, and the cultural context
  • Drummers may engage in improvised call-and-response patterns during ceremonies and social gatherings
  • Improvisation allows musicians to express their individual creativity while still adhering to traditional musical forms and cultural practices
• The balance between composed pieces and improvisation varies among tribes and musical traditions

Spiritual connections

• Many traditional Native American instruments are considered sacred objects with deep spiritual significance
• Instruments are often used in rituals and ceremonies to communicate with the spirit world, honor ancestors, and maintain balance with the natural environment
• The spiritual connections associated with instruments are rooted in Indigenous worldviews and cultural beliefs

Instruments as sacred objects

• Instruments are often treated with great reverence and are believed to possess spiritual power
  • The materials used to create instruments, such as wood, animal parts, and natural fibers, are considered gifts from the Earth and are treated with respect
  • The process of crafting an instrument is often accompanied by prayers, offerings, and ritualistic practices to imbue the instrument with spiritual energy
  • Instruments may be blessed by elders or spiritual leaders before being used in ceremonies or performances
• The sacredness of instruments requires that they be handled with care and used only for their intended purposes

Cleansing rituals

• Instruments undergo cleansing rituals to maintain their spiritual purity and effectiveness
  • Smudging, the practice of burning sacred herbs like sage or sweetgrass, is used to cleanse instruments of negative energy and restore their spiritual balance
  • Some instruments, such as drums, are periodically taken apart and rebuilt to renew their spiritual power
  • Cleansing rituals may be performed before and after ceremonies or performances to ensure the instruments are in a state of spiritual readiness
• The frequency and specific practices of cleansing rituals vary among tribes and cultural traditions

Honoring ancestors

• Playing traditional instruments is a way of honoring and connecting with ancestral spirits
  • The songs and melodies played on instruments are often passed down through generations and are believed to carry the wisdom and energy of ancestors
  • Instruments may be played at gravesites or during memorial ceremonies to communicate with and pay respect to deceased loved ones
  • The act of playing an instrument can be seen as a form of prayer or offering to the ancestors, thanking them for their guidance and protection
• By honoring ancestors through music, Indigenous communities maintain a strong sense of cultural continuity and spiritual connection to the past

Craftsmanship and artistry

• The creation of traditional Native American instruments is a highly skilled and culturally significant practice
• Instrument makers, or luthiers, are respected members of their communities and are often seen as cultural bearers and spiritual leaders
• The craftsmanship and artistry involved in instrument-making reflect the deep cultural knowledge and creativity of Indigenous peoples

Instrument-making process

• The process of creating a traditional instrument involves a combination of technical skill, cultural knowledge, and spiritual practice
  • Luthiers carefully select the materials for their instruments, often gathering them from the natural environment in a sustainable and respectful manner
  • The shaping and construction of the instrument requires precise measurements, carving techniques, and an understanding of the desired sound quality
  • Throughout the process, luthiers may engage in prayers, offerings, and rituals to imbue the instrument with spiritual energy and to honor the materials being used
• The time and effort put into crafting an instrument reflect the importance of music and cultural expression in Indigenous communities

Decorative designs

• Instruments are often adorned with intricate decorative designs that hold cultural and spiritual significance
  • Carvings, paintings, and beadwork may depict sacred symbols, clan affiliations, or personal stories
  • The use of natural pigments, such as ochre and charcoal, connects the instrument to the Earth and the spirit world
  • Decorative elements, such as feathers and leather fringes, may be added as offerings or to enhance the instrument's spiritual power
• The aesthetic beauty of an instrument is seen as a reflection of its cultural value and the skill of the luthier

Passing down knowledge

• The knowledge and skills involved in instrument-making are passed down through generations of luthiers
  • Young apprentices learn from experienced makers, observing their techniques and absorbing their cultural knowledge
  • The passing down of knowledge ensures the continuity of cultural practices and the preservation of traditional art forms
  • In some cases, the specific methods and designs used in instrument-making are considered sacred knowledge and are only shared with trusted apprentices
• The intergenerational transmission of instrument-making knowledge strengthens cultural identity and resilience in Indigenous communities

Contemporary adaptations

• While traditional Native American instruments have deep roots in cultural history, they have also been adapted and incorporated into contemporary musical contexts
• Indigenous musicians and artists are finding new ways to express their cultural identities and engage with modern audiences through innovative uses of traditional instruments
• The contemporary adaptations of traditional instruments reflect the dynamic and evolving nature of Indigenous cultures

Fusion with modern genres

• Many Native American musicians are blending traditional instruments and musical styles with contemporary genres such as rock, hip-hop, and electronic music
  • The use of the pow wow drum in contemporary Native American rock bands adds a powerful and culturally resonant element to their sound
  • Indigenous hip-hop artists incorporate the rhythms and sounds of traditional instruments to create a unique and politically charged musical style
  • The haunting melodies of the Native American flute are being used in ambient and new age music to evoke a sense of spirituality and connection to nature
• These fusion experiments showcase the versatility and adaptability of traditional instruments in modern musical contexts

Use in popular culture

• Traditional Native American instruments are increasingly being featured in mainstream popular culture, exposing wider audiences to their unique sounds and cultural significance
  • The distinctive sound of the Native American flute has been used in film soundtracks, television shows, and video games to evoke a sense of mystery, spirituality, or connection to nature
  • The pow wow drum has been featured in live performances by popular musicians, such as the Lakota drum group that accompanied Brulé in their performances with the Billings Symphony Orchestra
  • The use of traditional instruments in popular culture can raise awareness of Indigenous cultures and challenge stereotypical representations of Native American music
• The inclusion of traditional instruments in mainstream media can also inspire younger generations of Indigenous musicians to embrace and innovate with their cultural heritage

Preservation efforts

• As traditional instrument-making practices face threats from cultural assimilation and the loss of natural resources, Indigenous communities are engaging in efforts to preserve and revitalize these art forms
  • Cultural centers and museums are providing spaces for luthiers to practice their craft and share their knowledge with younger generations
  • Educational programs and workshops are being developed to teach traditional instrument-making techniques and cultural knowledge to Indigenous youth
  • Some Indigenous communities are working to protect the natural resources needed for instrument-making, such as old-growth forests and sacred gathering sites
• These preservation efforts aim to ensure that the cultural and spiritual significance of traditional instruments is maintained for future generations

Notable musicians and groups

• Throughout history and into the present day, numerous Native American musicians and groups have made significant contributions to the preservation, innovation, and popularization of traditional instruments and musical styles
• These artists serve as cultural ambassadors, sharing the rich musical heritage of their communities with audiences around the world
• The work of notable musicians and groups inspires younger generations of Indigenous artists to carry on and expand upon the legacy of traditional Native American music

Traditional masters

• Many Indigenous communities have recognized master musicians who are renowned for their exceptional skill, cultural knowledge, and dedication to preserving traditional musical practices
  • R. Carlos Nakai, a Navajo-Ute flutist, is widely regarded as a master of the Native American flute and has played a key role in popularizing the instrument through his numerous recordings and performances
  • Kevin Locke, a Lakota hoop dancer and flutist, is known for his virtuosic performances and his efforts to educate audiences about the cultural significance of traditional music and dance
  • The Cree fiddler Trent Bruner is recognized as a master of the Plains fiddle style and has worked to pass on his knowledge to younger generations of Indigenous musicians
• These traditional masters serve as important cultural bearers, ensuring that the authentic sounds and techniques of traditional instruments are preserved and shared with the world

Innovative performers

• Many contemporary Native American musicians are pushing the boundaries of traditional music, incorporating new influences and techniques to create innovative and politically charged performances
  • A Tribe Called Red, a Canadian electronic music group, blends pow wow drumming and singing with electronic beats and samples to create a powerful and socially conscious sound
  • The Navajo punk band Blackfire incorporates traditional instruments