Ethics
The ethics of making drums from animal skins comes under question often; there are people who suggest that only “Vegan” drums are ethical - those made of a plastic material. There is a time and a place for these drums - they do not change their tone in different temperatures or rain like real hide drums do, and so they can be very useful. However, I consider my drums to be ethical and sustainable tools suitable for all; no animal is ever killed for its hide in order to make a drum.
Deer herds cause significant damage to agriculture when they are not kept in check, as we have removed all of their natural predators. They are culled to prevent damage to crops, death on the roads, and starvation due to over-population. Deerstalkers are highly trained and are required to have a license to practice, following guidance on responsible deer management. They eat the meat or sell it to butchers, to ensure it is not wasted. However, the skin is a by-product which is usually thrown into landfill. By taking the skins and turning them into sacred tools, I believe that we honour and respect the animal that died.
All of my skins have come from free roaming deer that have been responsibly culled, or who have died in road traffic accidents. I honour the life of the deer when I first receive the skin, and throughout every stage thereafter. The process of making rawhide usually takes me two or more weeks: I clean the flesh from the hides, remove the hair, and stretch them out to dry on racks. I work in ceremony, step-by-step with my guides, and love to connect with the spirit of each deer I work with - they each have their own personality.
The drums and rattles created from deer hides are made with love and intent, and these tools - when treated well - will sing for years to come, possibly even outlive us. They bring healing, connection and joy into our lives, and I think this is much preferable to the alternative of the hide material being thrown in the bin.
