The Web Site for the Study of Native American Pow-Wow Ettiquette and Tradition

The Drum is at the center of any Pow Wow. It is either stationed either in the center of the dance arbor, or at the edge. This depends on the local custom of the host and committee.

The head drummer of a drum team leads the songs. Normally, he sings the first phrase of a song solo, then the other drummers sing with him from that point out.

1. Liquor is never permitted at the drum.

2. Women, do not sit at the drum and beat the drum, if women sing, they may sit in the second row behind the men singers, preferable their husband or the man who invited them to sing.

3. If a special songs is called, those asking for the song should donate to the drum.

4. If money is given to the drum for a special song, the Head Singer may divide the money with the singers immediately or wait until after the dance, he divides the money among the singers according to their ability, he knows who carried the load and made his job easier.

6. Everything is passed around the drum in the direction of the drum, nothing is ever passed over the drum.

7. Singing to loud or over-beating the drum is against courtesy to the head singer. Monetary contributions are used for forgiveness.

8. Taping of songs will only be done with permission of the Head Singer.

Glazner, Chris et all, 2000 Etiquette for Dancers. Southern Native American Pow Wows<http://library.thinkquest.org/3081/rules.htm> 2001, April 24

PowWows.com, 2000 Pow Wow Drums. PowWows.com <http://www.powwows.com/dancing/drum.shtml> 2001, April 25