The Magic of Shamanic Drums: History, Uses, and Buying Tips

The deep, steady heartbeat of a shamanic drum is far more than rhythm — it’s a bridge to earth, spirit, and inner space. Across cultures and centuries, shamans have used drums to shift consciousness, navigate the unseen, and guide healing rituals. Today, many people in Australia and around the world use shamanic drumming for meditation, grounding, sound-healing and ceremony.

In this guide, we explore the history, meaning and use of shamanic drums — and how to choose the right one. We also highlight some of our favourite handcrafted instruments from the Shamanic & Tribal Collection.

The Ancient Roots of Shamanic Drumming

Shamanic drumming is one of humanity’s oldest spiritual practices. Frame drums and hand-drums — similar in form to those used today — have been found in ancient human societies worldwide. Across continents, shamans and spiritual practitioners used drum vibrations to:

• enter trance or dream-like states
• journey between the physical and spirit realms
• support healing and energy work
• lead ceremony, ritual, or community gathering

From the indigenous tribes of Siberia to Native American nations, Arctic and forest peoples, mountain communities and beyond — the drum has long been considered a sacred companion, sometimes described as the “spirit vehicle” that carries the shaman between worlds.

Why People Use Shamanic Drums Today

In modern times, shamanic drumming continues to be valued — whether in traditional contexts or as part of contemporary spiritual, therapeutic, or personal-growth practices. A slow, steady drumbeat can help shift consciousness, calm the mind, support emotional release, and anchor deep states of meditation.

Common uses include:

• Shamanic journeying: connecting with guides, ancestors, or spirit allies; exploring inner landscapes and insight.
• Energy healing and release: using vibrations to ground, clear and balance energy, aiding emotional and spiritual healing.
• Meditation and mindfulness: the drum’s rhythm becomes a tool for presence, focus, and inner stillness.
• Ceremony and ritual: powering group drumming, sacred circles, seasonal observances or communal spiritual work.
• Sound healing and therapy: combining drum vibrations with other instruments or modalities to support relaxation and holistic healing.

Choosing the Right Shamanic Drum (Buying Tips for Australia)

If you’re considering buying a drum — especially online — here’s what you should think about to ensure you choose something meaningful and authentic.

Size & Tone

• Smaller drums (≈ 14–16") — lighter, more portable, easier for meditation, personal practice, or travel.
• Larger drums (≈ 18" and above) — deeper, earthier tones; better for grounding, ceremony, group drumming or sound-healing sessions.

Materials & Craftsmanship

Natural hides and solid wood frames produce rich, organic tones and resonate more deeply than synthetic alternatives. Handmade construction — with evenly stretched hide, strong lacing and quality beaters — results in longevity, durability and a drum with “soul.”

Your Intention Matters

Ask yourself: “Why do I want a drum?” Is it for meditation, healing, ceremony, personal journeying, community drumming, or sound-healing? Your purpose will guide the size, tone and type of drum best suited to you.

Featured Drums from Our Shamanic & Tribal Collection

Here are a few of our standout drums — each with its own character, tone and purpose. Whether you’re new to shamanic drumming or deepening your practice, these drums are crafted to support your journey.

Son of Drum – Shamanic Thunder Drum (Animal Skin 18")

This 18″ drum is handcrafted with genuine animal skin and a sturdy wooden frame. Its deep, resonant tones evoke the heartbeat of the Earth — making it ideal for ceremonial work, sound healing, or meditative journeys. The powerful vibrations ground and awaken energy, perfect for ritual or trance work.

Remo Bahia Buffalo Drum – Black Earth (14"/16")

A more portable option, the Remo Bahia Buffalo Drum produces a warm bass signature — especially the “Black Earth” version, tuned toward deeper tones. Lightweight and easy to handle, this drum is great if you’re looking for a travel-friendly instrument or a drum for personal meditation and journeying. 

Complementary Sound Tools: Singing Bowls, Cymbals & More

While drums are at the heart of shamanic practice, integrating other sound tools can deepen your ritual, meditation or healing work. Our collection of singing bowls, cymbals and hand-percussion instruments offers beautiful tonal variety — perfect for layering sound, shifting energies, or creating a full sound-healing environment.

Final Thoughts — Let Your Drum Find You

The magic of a shamanic drum lies not just in its sound, but in its ability to connect you — to earth, spirit, community and self. Whether you’re drawn to ceremony, healing, inner journeying, or meditation, choosing the right drum matters. Consider size, material, tone, and most of all — your intention.

At Son of Drum, we honour this journey by offering a curated collection of handcrafted, soulful instruments made with respect, reverence, and deep care. Whether this is your first drum — or part of a growing collection — may your drum find you, and may its rhythm guide you wherever you need to go.