A completely carved wooden drum stick. The beater end has an elaborate design of incised checks as well as two raised disks and an incised waterbird image. the dark brown color and glossy polish is uniform throughout.

There is tremendous diversity in Native American Church drumsticks. Sometimes they have carved designs, or they may have pieces of glass or jewels set into them as well. Most men have personal drumsticks that are the right weight for their drumming style, and a road man may have multiple drumsticks. Sometimes, they are made out of special wood that has personal significance.

Tags: drumstick
People: Native American Church
Places: Southern Plains, Oklahoma
Purpose: ceremonial events

From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology