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Which instruments accompany songs of the Native American Church?
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Native American music
Native Americans playing drums at a powwow.
In the rituals of the Native American Church, songs are accompanied by two primary instruments:
- Water drum: Typically constructed from a small iron kettle partially filled with water, with an animal-skin drumhead affixed across the opening with rope. The instrument's pitch and resonance are determined by the level of the water and the tightness of the drumhead. Drummers use one hand to beat the rhythm with a stick, while the other hand manipulates the pitch by tilting the instrument to move the water inside.12
- Rattle: Shaken by the song leader, this instrument is made from a dried gourd filled with stones or other noisemakers and fitted onto a wooden handle.1
These instruments are played at a fast tempo to accompany the songs, which are performed in a quiet and reflective manner as a form of prayer.12