A traditionally laced drum is still used today.
The drumskin or drumhide is the surface of the drum that is hit or struck to produce a sound. In traditional drums, such as Native American drums or African Djembe, this skin is made of rawhide and is evenly stretched over the frame of the drum with lacing or pegs, ensuring a consistent sound. Lacing is a gradual process that draws the drumskin tight around the frame, using a wooden hoop with a perfectly circular shape.
Instructions
1. Soak rawhide skin in cold water for 24 hours to make the skin stretchy and pliant.
2. Lay the drumskin rough side up on towels or other protective cloth on your work surface and place the drum frame in the center of the skin.
3. Lace the drum by drawing the lacing through opposing holes in the skin so that the string runs over the bottom of the drum in a crisscross pattern. Work back and forth so that all strings cross in the middle in a star pattern, ensuring an even and gradual stretching of the skin that draws it tight. When all holes are strung you are ready to make the handle.
4. With the end of the lacing, wrap around the center of the crossed laces repeatedly to further tighten the drumskin. This will create the first part of the handle and temporarily stretch the drum into a slight oval shape.
5. Repeat the wrapping perpendicularly, making sure to stay within the center of the drum. This will complete an X-shaped handle and return the drum to an even, round shape. Tie and trim the remaining lace.
6. Allow the drum to dry for 24 hours.
