As a part of Native American Heritage Month, the Seahawks asked the Puyallup Tribe about tribal drumming, the importance of the drums and tribal drumming ceremonies.
Q: What is the significance of the tribal drumming?
A: Drums represent your heartbeat. When we are drumming everyone hits the drum at the same time—coming together as one.
Q: What are the benefits of tribal drumming?
A: Our songs are prayers. When we are drumming and singing together, the ceremony becomes powerful.
Q: When do you typically perform and for what events?
A: Drum Performances are done to open different events like groundbreaking ceremonies, new fields for school or the opening of a new kitchen.
Q: What are the drums made of?
A: Drums are made from deer, elk hide and other hides can be used. The hoop is usually made of cedar.
Q: Why is it important to have a tribal drumming ceremony?
A: The importance is that we are coming together in prayer and ceremony, sharing and coming together. Songs are caught by those that can hear them, many of them coming from the mountains or salt water. Songs can also be handed down from generation to generation with the family owning each song. Our songs and drums are sacred. The songs we sing are prayers. Giving thanks to the animals that sacrificed themselves to become our drum. Thankful to the tree that became our hoop. Songs are owned by individuals or families. We ask permission to use them or acknowledge who the owner is.
The Seahawks held a Thanksgiving Day practice on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic as they prepare for Week 13 at the New York Jets.
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and the offensive line practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Damarion Williams (37) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Josh Ross (18) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Kenneth Odumegwu (77) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (55) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Kenneth Odumegwu (77) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Ryan Cooper (35) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21) practiced on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center.
