Although Native Americans are known for their voice as a vital instrument, most rituals, songs, and dances are accompanied by an assortment of instruments such as drums, rattles, and flutes. Each tool has its own meaning and purpose. This section explores the meaning of these tools, as well as their structure and functionality. Drums are a vital aspect of Native American culture; they understand that the drum is more than an instrument. In a web article written by Elisa Throp titled “The Importance of Drums to Native American Culture,” Elisa states, “It's a voice. It's a heartbeat. It is a prayer to the Great Spirit. The Native American drum is all this and more." Drums are what Native Americans use to connect to the Great Spirit, and depending on the type of skin covering the drum, Native Americans use this instrument to connect with animals and the Earth itself. According to the article, drums are essential in education to talk about history, pass down ancient traditions and tell stories to new generations. There are several types of drums used in Native American culture: the skin drum, the frame drum, and the water drum. Each has different functionality and sounds. Furthermore, they have a certain influence on today's percussion instruments. Skin drums, used in the central Rocky Mountains and Northern Plains, are composed of a single tanned skin wrapped around a wooden box and found wrapped around the players. Chest. The size, structure and function of this instrument are similar to a single snare drum in a traditional marching band. Subsequently the structure of the frame drum is similar to the skin drum. It is made of leather stretched along......the center of the paper......ge Net: Preserving and promoting the indigenous languages ​​of the American Indians. Network. 04 January 2012. "Native American musical instruments". “Silver bullet” marketing. Pearson Education Inc. Web January 04, 2012. "Native American Rattles and Their Importance | Mission Del Rey Southwest." Rawhide lampshades | Native American Indian Drums | Southwestern Rugs. Mission Del Rey Southwest, April 30, 2011. Web. January 4, 2012. .Throp, Elisa. "The Importance of Drums to Native American Culture - by Elisa Thorp - Helium." Helium: where knowledge rules. Hellium Inc, 19 February 2009. Web. 04 January. 2012. .