Frame Drum

Thunder Elk Native American (Sioux)

Not on view

Made about 1887 and painted by Thunder Elk in 1904, this drum’s symbolism remains elusive. Yellow, here representing the earth, is often associated with abundance, dark blue with the sky. Frame drums were used to accompany song and dance in both secular and sacred contexts.

Frame Drum, Thunder Elk, wood, leather, sinew (buffalo or deer); metal wire; pigment, Native American (Sioux)

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Frame Drum, Thunder Elk, wood, leather, sinew (buffalo or deer); metal wire; pigment, Native American (Sioux)
Frame Drum, Thunder Elk, wood, leather, sinew (buffalo or deer); metal wire; pigment, Native American (Sioux)
Frame Drum, Thunder Elk, wood, leather, sinew (buffalo or deer); metal wire; pigment, Native American (Sioux)
Frame Drum, Thunder Elk, wood, leather, sinew (buffalo or deer); metal wire; pigment, Native American (Sioux)
Frame Drum, Thunder Elk, wood, leather, sinew (buffalo or deer); metal wire; pigment, Native American (Sioux)

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