Taos drum
The Taos Drum originated at the foot of The Sangre de Cristo Mountains, in New Mexico. The frames of the drums are created from wood native to Northern New Mexico – cottonwood, aspen or pine, over a year-long process. The drum heads are made from cow, deer, elk, or goat hides that have been thoroughly cleaned and scraped. Each completed drum has its own distinct voice. The type of wood, the depth and diameter of the frame, the thickness and tightness of the hide, the thickness of the walls, temperature and humidity all effect the tone.