The Children's Museum | Collections & Resources

	Drum
	Drum, made by Vernon Lopez, Mashpee, 1977

	Maurice Foxx chose the drum because "it was always significant to us for social occasions. The drum has been significant to all native nations for thousands of years. It is a sacred item. It is the men's connection to the earth, and symbolizes the life force of creation." [ Sound: Tobias Vanderhoop drumming ]	Iron River Singers Photo courtesy of Melinda Johnson

	Vernon making the drum	This drum was made by Vernon Lopez, Mashpee Wampanoag. Vernon is an elder, a member of the Mashpee Museum Committee, and enjoys wood carving. He made this drum courtesy of Melinda Johnson for The Children's Museum on the condition that it be used by Wampanoag drummers during school programs and on American Indian Day.

	Vernon with the drum, 1997 Vernon sits with his drum each year at American Indian Day. Photo: Susan Margot Ecker

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