Drum Making | Thrive: Traditions S2 • E9

Chickasaw drum maker Jesse Lindsey tells the fascinating history of traditional drums and shares the process by which they're made. Dead or dying cottonwood trees would be hollowed and used for the frame; rawhide would be strapped and laced over the top to form the drumhead. Drums were regularly used in social dances and are prominently featured in stomp dances at the Chickasaw Cultural Center. "When people hear our songs, they want to know about the culture and history of the Chickasaws," Lindsey said. "That makes my heart feel good."