Howdy ya'll! I was taught to not smoke or eat around the drum. The elders said that "We use Tobbaco to pray not to get a fix, save that for out side" so that is the way we have always done that. Water and food should be kept a few feet away from the drum and our feathers, was the way I was taught. I was taught that the feathers eat only the tobacco smoke and to have our food by them is like kinda temping them, I guess.
During heavey ceremonies plates of food will be put outside for them. Anyhow, I was also taught to wear nice close at the Drum and to represent my family well while am there. I was also taught that a person should abstain from any sexual activety a few days before singing or any thing related. Its just the way I was taught, so Its kinda like second nature I guess. I dont really think about why..just kinda do it without having to think.
We also watch the way se talk around the Drum too. I was taught that the drum is like an Elder and we should respect it like such. I was taught at a early age how to make Drums, from cutting/carving and making the frame to soaking and scraping the hides. I was taught that there is a "differance" between a drum done in that way and a drum that is just put together.
Just a few of my thoughts on this topic.
take care.
Rich
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