Drum
Background
The Nomads who live in The Forests of The Wilds are known to have a love of music and use it in many of their festivals (such as Hustankåmmar) and traditions (such as Nomad Marriage).
There are many different types of instruments which are used by the Nomads, from the stringed instruments like a lute or Lyre to horns and flutes, to a range of vocal techniques, and even rhythmic instruments such as, in this instance, the drum.
Construction
There are multiple types of drum (in Old Tongue as "tråmma"), a purcussive rhythm instrument which is popular in clans across The Wilds. While there are many different types, they are all built in roughly the same way. Nomads soak pieces of wood for the hoop in water for a week to make them more malleable. These pieces are then bent to shape and held above a fire. Once the wood has taken the form of a ring, its ends are connected together with a piece of metal or hide. Over the hoop, they would stretch a membrane made from the hide of a horse, goat or another animal.
Customisation
Whether they are small hand-held drums, or large standing drums like the one pictured on the left, each drum was unique and would be personalised either by the person who made it or its owner (which may or may not be the same person). Customisations could take the form of painted or stitched designs on the membrane. Some choose to paint or add carvings to the wood. Those who choose not to use their hands to hit the drum may also customise the mallets which are made either of bone or wood and sometimes have padded ends. Each type of mallet creates a different sound, making them even more unique.Social Impact
Drums are a fundamental part of Nomad culture. They are present throughout Nomad traditions like Nomad Marriage and Nomad Funerals, and are also played at annual events like Hustankåmmar, or evenings spent Around the Campfire.
A lot of the poetry and storytelling is accompanied by drums, either to enhance the rhythm of the words or to create dramatic effects.
Drums might also be used as part of an early warning system for a clan, or during the warm-up to a battle. This happens less often in recent years as there are fewer reasons to battle, however, whenever they are played the drums still tend to have a motivational effect.
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