M401 Cochiti Drums
Handmade drums by Cochiti drum maker Felipe Eloy Gallegos.
Small: 12 x 16 @ $195.00; Medium: 18 x 18 @ $495.00; Large: 16 x 24 @ $495.00
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COCHITI DRUMS
Every Pueblo in New Mexico has its own rich history, culture and artistic traditions, and Cochiti Pueblo is no exception. Many Cochiti Pueblo members make their living by selling their art, which includes pottery and jewelry like many other Pueblos. However, Cochiti also has art forms that are unique to it that are either admired by other Pueblo artists or have been adopted and added to their own traditions.
The Cochiti Native Americans of northern New Mexico continue to make drums in the traditional way. The dead cottonwood or aspen, trees native to the high desert climate, are dried slowly to insure the drum doesn't crack. Untanned cowhide, (which must often be acquired from other Pueblos, ranches or towns) is soaked in water until soft and pliable, then stretched tightly over the hollowed-out shell. As the cowhide dried, it tightens further and conforms to the wooden mold.
Drums, both painted and unpainted of all sizes are used in Pueblo ceremonies. Drums are part of nearly every Pueblo’s ceremonies and dances, but most Pueblos do not make their own drums—they get them from the drum makers of Cochiti Pueblo. Drums suggest the thunder than comes with rain. Each pueblo drum has two heads. Ceremonial songs are arranged to increase in intensity slowly and then build up to a climax. At a point in the song, the drummers know to flip the drum to achieve a higher tone. This increase in intensity and tone inspires the dancers and gives then the kick to continue dancing.
Drum making is an artistic tradition among the Cochiti people; it is a craft that is passed down from generation to generation, often from father to son. Cochiti drum makers often have special tools to clean and shape the logs and hides that are passed down among family craftsmen as well.
The Cochiti people have a special relationship with the drum. Drum making is the way many artists make a living. However, the Cochiti people recognize a difference between drums made for trade or sale and those made for ceremonial purposes. Ceremonial drums are the property of the entire Pueblo, not just an individual or family. These drums are never sold.
