If you love the sound of drums but aren’t sure where to start, you may have come across both Djembe and Shamanic Drums. Although both create beautiful rhythmic sounds, they are quite different in their shape, playing style and traditional uses.
Here’s a simple guide to help you choose.
What is a Djembe Drum?
The Djembe is a goblet-shaped hand drum traditionally associated with West Africa. It is normally played directly with the hands, and different areas of the drum head can produce deeper bass notes or sharper, brighter tones.
Djembe drums are great for:
✦ learning rhythm
✦ casual drumming at home
✦ percussion and music practice
✦ group drumming sessions
You don’t need to be an experienced musician to enjoy one. Even simple repeating rhythms make the Djembe fun and satisfying to play.
What is a Shamanic Drum?
A Shamanic Drum has a wide, shallow circular frame and is usually played with a wooden beater rather than directly with the hands.
It creates deep, repetitive beats and has traditionally been associated with ceremonial and spiritual practices. Today, these drums are also enjoyed for music, meditation, mindfulness and sound practices.
They can be used for:
✦ rhythmic drumming
✦ meditation and mindfulness
✦ sound practices
✦ spiritual or ceremonial practices
✦ yoga and wellness sessions
And you certainly don’t have to use one for meditation – a Shamanic Drum can simply be enjoyed as an unusual percussion instrument with a distinctive sound.
Djembe or Shamanic Drum – Which Should You Choose?
Choose a Djembe if you’re mainly interested in music, learning rhythms and experimenting with different tones. It’s played with your hands and offers plenty of possibilities for percussion and casual drumming.
A Shamanic Drum may be a better choice if you prefer deep, repetitive rhythms, playing with a beater or would like an instrument that can also be incorporated into meditation or spiritual practices.
There’s no better option – it simply depends on the experience you’re looking for.
Natural Materials & Handcrafted Character
The Djembe and Shamanic Drums in our Sunshine Gifts collection are handcrafted in Indonesia using natural materials including suar wood and genuine goatskin.
Natural wood grain and handcrafted finishes give every drum its own individual character. The collection also includes beautiful symbolic designs such as Chakra, Tree of Life, Hamsa and Mandala.
When they’re not being played, their natural materials and detailed artwork make them striking decorative pieces too.
A Unique Gift for Music Lovers
A handcrafted drum can make a thoughtful and unusual gift for someone who loves music, mindfulness, yoga or artisan pieces with character.
Rather than another mass-produced gift, it’s something that can be played, explored and enjoyed for years to come.
Created by hand. Made to be played, enjoyed and displayed.