In native traditions, it is believed that the drum is a living thing. The spirit of the animal and the tree of which the drum is made both live on in the drum. Moreover, our drums are strung with prayers for their rebirth and transformation. When a drum finds its partner, it is a lifelong relationship.

These beliefs are further validated in practical application. The more you rub, handle and play your drum, the more your natural body oils penetrate the hide, thus lengthening its life and enriching it. For this reason, it is not traditional to play another person's drum.

Your new drum is easy to care for but there are some things you should keep in mind. Your drum is made from natural materials that are affected by temperature humidity and light. In fact your drum was actually made to order for you in your climate - that's why it took awhile to arrive after you ordered it. You should oil your drum every season for the change in weather, or more often if you live in a hot or dry climate.

When oiling, pay attention to areas of most stress. Apply directly to the hide on the back, around the holes where the lace meets the wood, also the face and rim of your drum. We use Shea butter as a regular moisturizer. Drums LOVE it and glow from its use once a month or so.

• IN THE CAR: Never leave your drum in direct sunlight!!! Direct sun can burn skin; it can bleach cloth; and it can ruin your drum! Find a shady spot in the car and cover drum. If you live in a hot dry climate it's not a good idea to leave it in your car at all. In winter, watch out for condensation when you bring it inside - wipe it off. Don't let your baby cook or freeze!

• IN THE HOUSE: Do not store your drum near a heater, stove, fireplace, or in a location with direct sunlight.

• IN A SWEAT LODGE: It is risky to take your drum into a sweat lodge. Extreme moisture causes the hide to loosen and the wood of the frame drums may warp causing irreparable damage. However, it has been said that some folks take them in for a brief time without problems. Do so at your own risk.

• AROUND CAMPFIRES: It's okay to drum around a fire while sitting at a comfortable distance. Your drum's pitch may rise a little from the warmth because the hide tightens. Be mindful and don't leave it by the fire. Imagine one side getting hot while dew forms on the other side from the cool night air.That can cause the hide to crack, warp or rip.

• ON THE WALL: When hanging your drum on a wall, choose a spot away from forced air heating vents, heaters and fireplaces. Dry heat causes the natural oils to evaporate and may cause the hide to crack.

• ON A TRIP: A plastic bag could protect your drum when you travel. I recommend our padded drum bags with adjustable shoulder strap for for active travelers.

Note: You can control the tone of your drum to some degree.

In general, heat causes the wood to expand and the hide to contract. Initially, this will raise the tone of your drum. Overexposure to heat will cause the hide to crack. The gentlest, safest way to raise the tone of your drum is to use a hairdryer or place in a sunny window for a few minutes. It's best not to try to play the drum when it sounds flat or has ripples from too much humidity.

Moisture (extremely humid days, climates with high humidity, rain, hurricanes etc) causes the hide to loosen and the tone to deepen which can be nice except for when you get that dreaded rippled effect when the drum is responding to an excess of humidity. It's best not to play the drum at this stage, hairdryers won't help so be patient and your drum will be back to perfection when the weather clears. Remember your drum is from nature and is alive, that's why it responds to earth changes. That's a good thing!

Suggestions to deepen tone: Spritz with water on the backside and put it in big plastic bag with moist towel for a bit. For a big drum you can drape it with a moist cloth for a little while.