Phillip John Charette
Alaskan Native Artist, Phillip John Charette holding an excellent example of a old traditional Yup'ik drum hoop from around the mid 1800's.
This is a beautiful hand built hoop with visible tooth marks made during bending and is stained with red and white clay.
Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Arctic Studies Center.
Yup'ik Drums by Phillip Charette
For all-out singing and everyday use
The Alaskan Native Yup'ik drums I make are full size drums with a 7-foot circumference, similar to the hoop shown in the photo to your right.
My drums are designed to be used for all-out singing, drumming, and dance performance.
In like fashion with the drums of my ancestors, my drums are serious instruments designed to be handed down through the family.
How to Order a Yup'ik Drum
Each drum is custom made to fit your particular needs. Please contact me directly so we can discuss the type of drum that's right for you.
Please call me at: 541.519.2635.
How I Make My Yup'ik Drums
I make my drums using traditional Yup'ik techniques to ensure strength and good tonal quality.
I use a variety of woods, both soft and hard — hardwoods for tone, strength, and durability, and softwoods for weight reduction and a softer sound.
I also use a variety of drum skins (cauyamecia), depending on the specific need.
- Sometimes I use rawhide heads, but they require a moderate to high amount of maintenance and care.
- Nylon drumheads are an easy-maintenance alternative, and can be textured to resemble skin.
- Other synthetic heads are also available, which also need little to no maintenance.
I make my drumsticks (cauyaun) out of hardwoods or softwoods in various sizes, depending on the type of drum being used. Typically I'll make more than the required number of drumsticks for each drum, as drumsticks do break on occasion.
Traditional ornaments vary from piece to piece.
Every drum is tested to insure quality and workmanship. The workmanship on all drums by Aarnaquq is guaranteed for life.
