Tambores Nativos

Genres

ethnic music, shamanic music, instrumental music

Instruments

drum

Biography

The term "Native Drums" can refer to a musical concept or a specific artist who uses drums of indigenous or traditional origin in their work. In the Brazilian context, drums have a rich history with roots in indigenous and African instruments, which were incorporated and adapted over time into various cultural and musical manifestations.

Historically, indigenous drums are the oldest found in Brazil, handcrafted from natural materials such as wood and animal skin. With the arrival of enslaved Africans, a vast array of drums and rhythms was introduced, becoming essential in religious and cultural practices, such as in capoeira and afro-brazilian cults like Umbanda and Candomblé, where they are called atabaques. This fusion of influences resulted in a rich percussive tapestry in brazilian music, present in genres like samba, maracatu, jongo, and ciranda.

Artists and groups that use the name "Native Drums" or explore sounds with traditional and indigenous drums, such as Ari Pereira (founder of Etnia Tambor) and Tony Paixão, frequently seek to reconnect with ancestry and spirituality. These instruments are seen not only as means of musical expression, but also as vehicles for spiritual journeys, healings, and communication with the sacred, associated with the heart of Mother Earth and the womb, symbolizing vital force and the connection between heaven and earth. The music produced with these drums can range from shamanic rituals to contemporary performances, integrating elements of diverse native and traditional cultures.