Welcome to Medicine Dog Drum where the Artist, Lori Boess offers handmade creations including Hand Framed 10", 13", 15", 16", 18", horse hide, and Custom Drums, Smudge and Prayer Fans, Jewelry, Rattles, Classes, and more. 

Each piece is unique and handcrafted with the power of positive intention by Lori Boess - a gifted artist, teacher and healer.

A lifelong resident of Washington, Lori was raised in Tacoma and now calls Olympia her home. Clairvoyant from an early age, Lori has always felt connected to the Earth. 

Lori has immersed herself in the metaphysical, native and para psychological teachings for the past several years. Her training consists of drum making, ceremony, sweat lodge, earth weaving, intentional prayer, and metaphysics. 

A special note from Lori Boess

"Where would we be without great teachers and mentors?"
 "A special thanks to all those who have helped me on my journey including Berniece Falling Leaves, Nicky Scully, Conner Sauer, Robert Lester, Cathy Pfiel, Brooke Medicine Eagle, Jane Bell, Lorraine Bayes, Bonnie Pemberton, William White Feather, Kerri O'Connell and Kanaychowa." 

                    Lori Boess                    
 

"Hand held frame drums are among the oldest known musical instruments. In prehistoric times, their rhythms helped shamans and seers attain the sacred trance state necessary for healing and prophecy. The rituals of the earliest known religions evolved around the beat of framed drums.

In modern times drummers have been almost exclusively men, but more and more women are rediscovering their ancient birthright. many women are returning to the drum to recover an important spiritual connection to health and one another that has been lost-a connection long buried but somehow instantly familiar. drumming is again becoming a tool for individual and cultural healing and transformation.

Consciousness transforming practices such as rhythmic drumming or meditation can put us in touch with the archetypal patterns of consciousness inherent in human beings. As patterns of behavior are brought up from the unconsciousness into the light of conscious awareness, we can begin to change distorted or unhealthy behavior.

This archetypal knowledge enables men and women to understand who they are, within themselves and in relation to their families, communities, and environment."

- Excerpts from Redmond, Layne, When Drummers Were women, Three Rivers Press, New York, NY, 1997, pgs 1, 2, 9.

Pow Wow drums, also know as mother drums, are available from 22 to 30-inch diameters. Each custom made drum frame includes a floor stand and sticks.

Hand framed drums are available in 10, 13, 15, 16 and 18-inch diameters. Unique drumsticks are included with the purchase of a hand drum. Pricing of hand drums vary depending on the size and materials used they range from $80-$300.

Rattles are another way for the medicine person to contact the creator for spiritual guidance. The rhythmic sound (vibration) tells spirit guardians where you are and that you're summoning helpers for spiritual good. 

Turtle rattle shells are hand picked for color, shape and natural design. A deer antler is attached to the shell then partially wrapped with leather and adorned with glass beads, bells and fur. When not in use, these beautiful rattles display nicely on a table or bookcase, or can be hung on a wall using the leather strap. Pricing ranges from $40 to $150. 

Feathers relate to the element of air. We use fans and feathers to clear and cleanse our space and ourselves. The fans are symbolic of our connection to great mystery. The feather sends the prayer to the sky where the creator lives. Feathers came from whatever medicine animal offered itself. The fan is also used to honor the spirit when we are dancing Pow Wow giving thanks for creators abundance.

Lori creates each prayer and smudge fan using a combination of peacock, turkey or pheasant feathers. A soft leather colored handle is created to compliment each fan design along with the addition of specific animal fur.Fan prices range from $20 for a single feather fan to $160 for a five-feather fan.  

Necklaces are created using natural stone, glass bead and bone to create one-of-kind pieces.

CLASSES 

Make your own hand drum with your choice of either elk, horse or deer hide. Take a spiritual journey with Lori and learn the art of making hand drums. After a brief review of the drum history, drums are created in ceremony. 

Classes generally last four-hours. Group classes are available with a four-person minimum and can be held at the studio or your location. Hand drum classes are $195 per person and include a 16-inch drum and sticks.

Pow Wow drum classes are available for individuals or groups at $500-$900 per drum depending on drum frame size. Larger drums are available with a floor stand and four sticks. 

Contact Lori at (360) 280-2117 or email her to schedule your class-she is available to teach and travel year-round.