Shop Categories |
Drums
24" Caribou Hide Drum - Very Rare!
24" caribou hide drum — crafted from a rare, natural hide that carries a soft, powdery texture throughout, with translucent qualities and distinct spotting across the surface (see image). Hand-built by David Fierro, it produces a deep, steady resonance with a rich, full-bodied tone. Comes with a tom tom.
16" Bison art on bison hide, cedar frame
16" bison hide drum on cedar frame — handcrafted by David Fierro, featuring original artwork of a bison face by Susheela Kundargi (see image). Bison fur is known for its thickness, yet the hide itself carries an almost translucent quality, giving the drum a unique visual depth. It produces a beautiful, medium, rounded tone—balanced and steady. Comes with a matching tom tom.
11.5" bardo drum (phosphorescent paint)
11.5" painted elk hide drum on cedar frame — handcrafted by David Fierro. An abstract paint pour with phosphorescent elements that glow under black light, bringing forward layers of colour and movement not immediately visible. The surface invites interpretation, with forms that emerge and shift over time. Designed as both a playable instrument and a visual piece. Comes with a matching tom tom.
|
drum care & protocols
Caring for traditional elk hide on cedar hand drums requires a delicate balance of respect for both the natural materials and the cultural significance imbued in the instrument. With its unique combination of durability and rich tone, Elk hide is a material of choice due to its superior sound quality and traditional importance in the construction of these drums. As the drum is a transmitter, hold and play the drum with good thoughts and an open heart. To maintain the drum's integrity, it is crucial to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as these can cause the hide to dry out and potentially crack over time. Regularly conditioning the hide with natural oils, such as bear grease, helps keep it supple and resistant to humidity changes, ensuring the drum retains its resonance and structural integrity. Besides caring for the elk hide, the drum's cedar frame needs attention. Cedar is chosen not only for its aromatic qualities but also for its natural resistance to insects and rot. Nonetheless, regular inspections for cracks or splits are vital, especially in dry environments or when humidity levels fluctuate. The painted surfaces are coated with a clear acrylic topcoat and can be gently dusted periodically with a damp cloth, without using any chemical cleansers. Treating the cedar frame with a protective coating of natural wood oil or the same bear grease can help preserve its strength and resilience, ensuring the drum remains stable and capable of producing its distinctive sound. It’s best to hang the drum on interior walls, away from fireplaces or heat sources; avoid leaving it in the car, on the ground, or on the floor. By following these protocols with care and respect, practitioners honour not only the craftsmanship of the drum but also the cultural traditions it represents. Any additional cultural, care or protocol questions can be directed to David Fierro via the email link below and any questions regarding the artwork, techniques, symbolism, sales, commissioned pieces, or events, please direct your to Susheela Kundargi here also: EMAIL US [email protected] Raffled DrumsProceeds from raffled drums are directed toward supporting First Nations participants in our drum-making and other land-based workshops. This includes covering participation and related costs where needed.
These contributions help ensure that access to land-based knowledge and practice remains open and ongoing, supported by the broader community on S,ḴŦAḴ (Mayne Island) and beyond. |
Sold Drums & Commissioned Pieces |
|
markets
|
Mayne Island Market - Starting Next Month
Find us outside at the Mayne Island Ag Hall. Support local artisans. 10 AM - 1 PM It starts late May, every Saturday. Find our booth right next to the Mayne Island Growers. (See Map) We'll have all our favourite items: Drums, rattles, fallow tallow salves, t-shirts, books, artwork, skull mounts, fallow deer buckskin medicine bags, beads, claws, jewelry, buckskin clothing, and more! Come say hello, and sign up in person for our mailing listing or an upcoming workshop! There are a wide variety of vendors (artisans, food purveyors, craftspeople, music and more. |
|
workshops
|
drum workshops and gift certificates
We would love to offer a drum or rattle-making workshop for your community or group. Please email us here to inquire.
Our next drum-making workshop is May 30-31 on Mayne Island.
(Visit Workshop Page.) We also offer gift certificates of any amount that can be used to purchase a variety of items or workshops. Other items are available below; feel free to email to place your order. We have MANY new pieces - Mostly Ravens, Bison, Deer, Owls, Wolves.
Photos coming soon. |
Past Workshops |
Feb 5, Mayne Island: figure drawing class at Creative Café - MIALS
“Mood-Expressing Figure Drawing Class” Overview: We are excited to invite the Mayne Island Assisted Living Society (MIALS) community to a unique and engaging art experience led by Susheela Kundargi. This fun and dynamic drawing class will explore a creative departure from traditional figure drawing by focusing on how to capture moods, emotions, and feelings through the human form. Participants will explore dynamic poses instead of a static model and incorporate tools and techniques that evoke various emotional responses. Using a variety of materials such as pencils, charcoal, chalk, and felts, attendees will be encouraged to express themselves freely and explore new ways of seeing and drawing the human figure. The session will emphasize creativity, self-expression, and mood rather than perfect anatomical accuracy.
View products in person at "Mayne On Mayne" art crawl event Friday, Saturday, & Sunday Novemver 8-10, 10AM - 4PM
View Brochure & Map Here |









