Native American cottonwood drum with original beater. 19th Century, Cochiti Pueblo, New Mexico. An old, well made example with ceremonial paint remnants still visible. Unlike most old Native American drums this one still plays beautifully with a timeless sound that is said to be evocative of both the sound of thunder and life-giving rains and also brings to mind the steady beating the human heart. Each rawhide face intentionally produces a slightly different sound, one deeper than the other. The beater is original with a soft brain tanned deer hide cover, beautiful patina and residue of red pigment. This is an uncommonly old, authentic Native American instrument. Old Pueblo drums rarely survive in such excellent playable condition and almost never with the original beaters. This old drum is stall capable of producing the timeless haunting drum sounds as heard in the ceremonial kivas and dances of the Pueblo peoples of the American Southwest. Size: 10 inches high x 11 inches in diameter. Original condition,