Artifact A-020A & Artifact A-020B

Artifact A-020A

Late Frontier/Spanish American War U.S. Army Drum

Artifact A-020B

Late Frontier/Drumsticks

Army Drum from the circa 1880s–1890s features its original birch body with hickory bands, and it retains its original skins and snare elements.  The drum measures 16 inches in diameter and 14½ inches in height, complete with a “U.S. Army” decal.

Notes: Drums played a crucial role in military operations, serving both practical and symbolic purposes.  They were essential for keeping soldiers marching in step, ensuring cohesion and synchronization during movements, especially in large formations.  Beyond their role in marching, drums were a vital component of the battlefield communication system.  Military drummers used a variety of drum rudiments-specific rhythms and patterns—to convey messages and commands from officers to troops.  These signals could indicate the start or end of an engagement, call for a retreat, signal a change in formation, or even convey other strategic directives.  The ability to communicate through drum signals was particularly important in the chaos of battle when verbal commands might be drowned out by noise or obscured by smoke.

Drumsticks used by Buffalo Soldiers during the Frontier Wars were simple and rugged, crafted to endure the rigors of military life.  Typically made from durable hardwood, they featured a straightforward design with a smooth, cylindrical shape and a slightly rounded striking end.  These drumsticks were paired with military drums to relay battlefield commands, maintain marching rhythms, and foster camaraderie among the troops.  As tools of both communication and morale, the drumsticks symbolized discipline and unity, embodying the perseverance and resilience of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Click on the image to enlarge.