Pow Wow Terminology

Music for pow-wow dance competitions and other activities is provided by a “Drum,” which is a closely knit group of singers who play a large, specially designed drum and sing traditional songs. They are also often called a Drum Group.

Pow Wow participants include dancers and drums from tribes throughout the United States and Canada, who participate in the hundreds of pow wows and Native American celebrations each year. They come from every state in the Union and every province of Canada. At times, even participants from the Native tribes of South America participate.

Drums can come from a variety of sources. Some are handed down in a family; others are donated to a drum group. Older drums are made of deer, elk or horse hides, but contemporary bass drums can be purchased or renovated, and even blessed, just as are the older drums.