Drum Birthing – Keeping The Sacred Sacred

We birth our drums at Caer Corhrain with a ceremony that begins within sacred space—honouring our teachers, the animals, the trees, and the tools that accompany us throughout the day.

Out of respect, all work is done on a soft blanket atop a table. Each hide, hoop, and tool is carefully smudged during the process, clearing any lingering trauma and deepening our connection with the spirit of the animal.

Hides are soaked and prepared in pure water—free of herbs, botanicals, or additives that might interfere with their natural integrity. On occasion, a small amount of antibacterial liquid may be used to preserve freshness if necessary.

We aim to keep each hide as close to its natural state as possible. We use no dyes or paints, allowing the unique beauty and character of the animal to shine through.

Each journey begins with a full hide, inviting the individual to connect with and honour the spirit of the animal. With Stag and Deer this is usually possible, but due to their size, we may use half a hide for Horse in some workshops.

From this sacred starting point, we guide you in cutting your own drum head and lacing. We choose not to provide pre-made kits, as cutting your own lacing is a vital part of the drum birthing process. This act creates a unique voice for your drum and fosters a deeper bond with the hide before the final birth.

For the handle, we work in alignment with the medicine wheel, crafting a four-direction cross with a blessing at its centre. This design not only honours tradition but has also proven to be the most comfortable for extended use. For this reason, we do not bind anything into the handle.

Each completed drum will be centred on its hoop and smoothed around the edge to ensure no hide protrudes. Once dry, the hide hardens and can become sharp, so careful finishing is essential.