About Our Hides

What are the properties of Deer drums?

Deer relates to the heart chakra, bringing the energy of love and circulation. It is a very feminine feeling hide, I see it as a young maiden just setting out on life. It has lots of harmonics and the most sustain (how long the sound lasts). It is susceptible to weather changes as it tends to absorb moisture from the air, so it requires a little more work to bring the tone up in wet conditions. It varies in color from pale cream to brown. Our deer rawhide is a byproduct of food production and comes from legally permitted hunters.

What are the qualities of Horse drums?

Horse resonates with the 3rd eye chakra and is especially useful in journeying and meditation. It has superior harmonics. Thinner horse drums can be susceptible to moisture, but not as much as deer. Because there is very little body fat, it is susceptible to low humidity conditions and must be protected in hot weather, around heating devices and during deep freezes. Please see the troubleshooting section to discover how to protect your drum. It varies in color from golden brown to dark chocolate brown. Our horse comes from Peru, where horses are still a large part of the culture. It can be exported freely.

What are the qualities of Elk drums?

Elk resonates with the solar plexus chakra, involving will and stamina. It is a masculine feeling hide, it feels to me like a young warrior who has your back. It has the best base tone, but does not offer as much in sustain or harmonics. It handles weather pretty well, but thinner hides can be affected by moisture. It varies in color from cream to brown, and frequently has translucent sections. Our elk rawhide is a byproduct of food production and comes from legally permitted hunters.

Elk is currently not available for custom drums, please check out our stock drums at GaiasWorkshopDrums.etsy.com.

What are the qualities of Buffalo drums?

Buffalo (American Bison) resonates with the zero or grounding chakra. It is very sacred to many Native Americans, representing abundance and having the power to take prayers to the creator, All Buffalo drums I make are made with a four directions medicine wheel handle in honor of the ancestors on this land. Buffalo is a masculine hide, and reminds me of a crusty old grandfather who will tell you exactly what you need to hear instead of what you want to hear. Buffalo is a very thick hide, and tends to be quite thumpy, with no real harmonics or resonance. It handles weather extremely well, and is the hide of choice for sweat lodges. Buffalo hide is medium to dark brown. Bison rawhide is a byproduct of food production.

What are the qualities of Reindeer drums?

Reindeer is imported from Sweden, where it is herded and used for food. In my judgment it resonates with the heart chakra, like other members of the deer family, but in a more primal and passionate way. It represents abundance to the people of Northern Europe, and helps with overcoming adversity when making personal journeys of discovery. I love making my European style drums from Reindeer. The sound is primal and wild and brings to mind drumming around the fire in ancient times. Both male and female reindeer have antlers, and I do not feel the hide to be either masculine or feminine. Though it is a thin hide, reindeer drums are extremely resilient to weather changes. The hide is a light cream color. Reindeer rawhide is a byproduct of food production.

Reindeer has become very rare and expensive. Besides the wasting disease that has been going through the herds for the last couple years, climate change is making it more icy and less snowy during the winter, which is leading to the animals not being able to find enough sustenance. Additionally, because so many Russians are fighting in Ukraine, the abundant wolves on the Russia/Finland border are not being controlled by the local people and have crossed into Finland, where they are eating the reindeer. The reindeer we buy comes from the Northern reindeer herders and helps them sustain their culture.

What are the qualities of Calf drums?

Cows in general represent abundance and the divine feminine. They are considered sacred in the Hindu path and represent the connection between us & nature; the calf also represents potential & new beginnings, especially in new explorations or journeys., potentially bringing deep emotional healing. In my own opinion, Calf is also excellent for inner child work. Calf is a thin hide so its vibration is slightly higher. but it resonates beautifully. Calf is mostly translucent, and quite pretty with interesting patterns. Calf is a byproduct of food production.

What are the qualities of Kangaroo drums?

Kangaroo is the most interesting hide I’ve worked with in drum making. The energy Kangaroo brings is perfect for these times. Nurturing, with tight community connections; working together to defend and protect for the good of all; self-empowerment rising from the strength, courage and ability to evade obstacles. Kangaroo is resilient and can both face adversity and navigate a new, less difficult path forward. Kangaroo is a thinner hide so its vibration is slightly higher. but the sound is truly unique. Kangaroo is a beautiful translucent golden color. Kangaroo absorbs moisture and may need drying in high humidity conditions. Kangaroo is a byproduct of food production and is also more than extremely abundant.

What are the properties of Goat drums?

Goat is commonly used on drums from Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. It is a thinner hide and has a higher timbre, depending on the size and type of drum. It is especially good for playing with the hands because it is very responsive. It is also lovely to sing into. Laced goat drums may need drying in high humidity conditions. It is a by product of food production and very abundant.