Qilauts |
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Eskimo Drums: Qilauts
The Qilaut is a sacred instrument in the Eskimo Culture. It is used in healing ceremonies and to accompany singers and dancers. All of which are sacred traditions.
Are you called to the Qilaut?
The tradition was that if you felt called to the Qilaut you went to your elders and asked for a drum. Your elders would consider your request and in such time that they felt you were ready to receive your drum you would be given your drum. During the time you were waiting to receive your drum you'd study the drum by asking other drum carriers questions, learning how to use it and learning the traditions that go with being a drum carrier. Now we enter the tradition in many different ways. We don't usually have elders to ask for a drum or to teach us in our communities.
The tradition was that if you felt called to the Qilaut you went to your elders and asked for a drum. Your elders would consider your request and in such time that they felt you were ready to receive your drum you would be given your drum. During the time you were waiting to receive your drum you'd study the drum by asking other drum carriers questions, learning how to use it and learning the traditions that go with being a drum carrier. Now we enter the tradition in many different ways. We don't usually have elders to ask for a drum or to teach us in our communities.
So what do we do in our modern world?
Whatever your choice is, please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.
- You can order one from me and go in search of a teacher.
- You can ask Angaangaq, an elder and carrier of the Qilaut from Greenland (en.icewisdom.com), to recommend someone near you or if he will teach you.
- You can go in search of a drum carrier who can teach you and “give” you a drum at such time they consider you ready to be a drum carrier.
Whatever your choice is, please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have.
Ordering a Qilaut
I make Qilauts in three different sizes. The size of Qilaut you choose depends on the sound you desire. The large model has lower voice and the smaller drums have higher voice. Traveling with the large Qilaut can challenging at times, especially on airplanes. It is just another challenge of being a drum carrier.
Qilaut Specifications
26” or 66 cm, about 1 lb 8 oz., 670 grams*
24” or 60 cm, about 1 lb 7 oz., 640 grams*
20” or 50 cm, about 1 lb 4 oz., 550 grams *
*Weights are approximate only and will vary from batch to batch.
Qilaut Pricing
26” or 66 cm $630 US
24” or 60 cm $615 US
20” or 50 cm $600 US
Shipping is additional.
For more on the Qilaut
26” or 66 cm $630 US
24” or 60 cm $615 US
20” or 50 cm $600 US
Shipping is additional.
For more on the Qilaut