How to care for your shamanic drum

When you’re new to the hide drum, caring for it is a necessary but very simple skill to develop. It’s something that almost every new customer asks. After the initial excitement of choosing the drum (or the drum choosing you!), maybe having one specially crafted, and the anticipation as you await its arrival, you will no doubt be left wondering how you can ensure you get as many years as possible with your new companion. Here I will share with you my top tips for looking after your hide drum, so you never need to worry about unexpected issues.

16” Callisto drum

When the drum arrives

Firstly, rest assured that when your drum arrives, it has already been cared for in the best possible way. In fact, it has been totally pampered. All Star Onyx drums are crafted and dried with absolute care and intention to give them the best possible start and ensure as much longevity as possible. Once dried, they are anointed with my own specially crafted Drumkeeper’s Oil. If some time has passed between building the drum and sending it to you, it will have received a little top up of the oil before delivery too.

One of the most important stages in your drum journey is finding where you’ll store the drum when you are not using it. Generally, I recommend storing your drum in a soft, waterproof bag and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold regularly. However, some people prefer to have their drums on display, so a suitable altar space or shelf can work perfectly well. If you’re going to do this, ensure the drum is elevated from the ground, away from direct sunlight or drafts (i.e. doors and windows). Because the drum has acclimatised to my home where it was crafted, it may take a little adjusting when it arrives in its new home. This is totally normal; after a little trial and error, you will normally find that the drum will tell you where it prefers to be stored.

When practicing with the drum

There is a false belief that a shamanic drum absolutely cannot be played outside. This isn’t necessarily true. Remember, shamanic drums have been fireside companions for millennia. It’s true that if you live somewhere cold and damp (like Scotland!), a little extra care is required. You definitely should avoid playing your drum in very cold or damp conditions regularly, or giving it direct exposure to rain for example. Instead, playing the drum by the fire, and under a canopy where needed, is exactly how it is intended to be played.

Before playing, you may want to heat the drum a little to tighten the skin. But one mistake we’ve seen many people make, is sticking their drum directly in front of a heat source every single time they want to play it. Instead, always check the drum first to see where it’s at. Not only does this build your connection with your drum, it avoids over-heating it unnecessarily. If you’re playing indoors and you’ve already warmed the room up with the drum in it, quite often the drum is already playable. Other times, little bit of gentle friction is all it needs. You can do this by rubbing the palm of your hand in a circular motion on the face of the drum, and lightly tapping it with the beater until it firms up, becomes taut, and the sound reverberation deepens.

If the drum is still flat, then you can place it near a heat source for a while, such as a radiator or fire. But do so indirectly. Never place a drum on top of a radiator, for example, nor angle its face directly toward a fire. If you don’t set it on fire, this will inevitably lead to your drum losing moisture rapidly, and could even lead to irreparable damage such as tearing. A little gentle re-warming will do the job instead.

What if the drum gets wet or goes flat?

It’s okay if your drum gets a little every wet now and then. Simply pat off any excess water and place it in a neutral-warm, dry place and allow it to air-dry naturally for about 48 hours (or until dry). Again, avoid using direct heat (fires, radiators) as this can warp or dry out the drum too quickly. Place it near the heat source instead, and it should bounce back.

If your drum dries in crinkled or has become warped and flat for any other reason (i.e. cold air exposure), you can reset it. Lightly mist it with water and place it somewhere neutral-warm and dry to help it retighten for 24-48 hours. Once it’s repaired, it’s often advisable to give it a little oil.

If after reading this information you are still concerned about the condition of your drum or something more serious has happened (i.e. a crystal slipping out of the handle), feel free to email me directly at staronyxcrafts@gmail.com

Keeping your drum oiled

Shamanic drums are made from animal hide, which has been dried out and “tanned” for longevity. Just like your skin, the hide relies on a regular source of nourishment to keep it supple and strong, which affects its elasticity, sound, and overall functionality. However, your hide drum does not have a constant flow of blood and nutrients like your skin does, so it needs a little help to keep its oil and moisture levels balanced.

I typically recommend oiling your drum at least once a year, perhaps twice, depending on how often you use it and in which conditions. Signs that your drum may need some oiling include a dry, papery feel, a constantly flat or tinny sound, and a loss of vibrancy in the colour of the hide.

Drumkeeper’s Oil

To oil, use a lint-free cloth and apply a thin but visible layer of suitable oil (a few drops should suffice) to the drum face and handle. Let it absorb in a warm, dry place for 24 hours. For very dry drums, a light mist of water after oiling can help restore its vitality.

As for the type of oil, I recommend using a skin-friendly cold-pressed/virgin oil, such as extra virgin olive, almond, apricot kernel, or walnut oil. For extra hide nourishment and to enable you to treat your drum to a special blessing, I have carefully crafted the 100% organic Drumkeeper’s Oil infused with rose and frankincense resin. This is a ceremonial oil inspired by the Priestess-led traditions of anointing with sacred oils, flowers and herbs, such as in the mysteries of the Magdalene lineage. It will leave your drum smelling, looking and feeling radiant, and is a perfect way to thank your drum for all the gifts that it brings.

How long does a shamanic drum last?

A well-made, well-cared-for drum can last a lifetime. Drums are traditionally passed down through lineages of practitioners and become treasured spiritual companions for generations. If you are playing the drum for several hours a day, for example, it may of course have a lesser lifespan. Natural materials may change over time, but with proper care, they can remain strong and vibrant for many, many years. By following the steps detailed in this article, I hope you do have many years of joy with your drum, and it becomes a staple in your spiritual practice.