|  |   Tarahumara Indian Blue Corn Rain DrumThis is a beautiful Native made hand drum called a rain drum. The Tarahumara Indians use drums in their festivals and their society is agriculturally based. The rain is very important to Native American families. The food staple is corn, a high mountain variety with blue kernals that some people refer to as Indian corn. Because corn is necessary for life it has become a symbol of life for many Native Americans and an ear of corn or basket of corn is a depiction of a bountiful harvest or the hope for one.
The blue corn or maiz of the Tarahumara is a hearty plant. It is planted and comes up each year without rain. But if the rains do not come before the young plants are very tall, the crop will suffer and could even fail completely. We've seen this type of crop failure during the prolonged droughts in recent years in the high Sierras. During these times the Indian families are forced to eat their remaining seed corn rather than plant it, a last ditch survival effort. So, the rain and the corn work in harmony to bring life to the region. In the same way the rain drum represents this harmony.
The drum is crafted by shaving and bending a native yellow pine ring from the local trees. These Indian drums are made in the old traditional fashion without any metal fasteners, but rather with all natural materials. The animal skin that binds the drum ring and is stretched around the rain drum's frame is taken from the hide of a goat which provides meat. Inside is placed a precious handful of blue corn which looks to the hope of a bountiful harvest making the rain drum a very interesting demonstration of Native life and values.
The rain drum has a unique sound when struck with a drum beater. When held vertically, the vibrating drum heads cause the corn inside to dance and vibrate against the sides of the drum causing a very distinct and different type of sound. When held horizontally and struck on either the top or bottom the corn kernals jump causing the sound of rain and when tipped back and forth from side to side the rain drum makes a sound like rushing water.
With a rain drum one can appreciate the balance of life and ponder the importance of the rain and the corn which in modern society take on different forms but connect with our inner being with feelings of need, hope and gratitude. A rain drum would be equally wonderful as an instrument for meditation, drum groups or as an interesting home decorating accessory or conversation piece. It is also a reminder of our connection to the earth, and the balance of life and powers beyond our control. The rain drum brings meaning to all of these.
Hand made by the Tarahumara Indians, the rain drum features all natural materials and blue corn kernals inside the drum. 16" diameter, Drum beater included.
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