Medicine Drums

Ancient Living Craft

Each medicine drum is shaped by craftsmanship, traditional knowledge, and aesthetic precision. Handmade through many steps, every piece is individually dyed and painted. No two drums ever sound alike—each carries a distinct sonic signature and a character that unfolds over time.

Medicine Drums are made of the highest quality, carefully selected rawhide and local wood, creating instruments of deep resonance, presence, and connection. All of my instruments are made from 100% natural materials. Each one is a one-of-a-kind piece, emerging through a close collaboration between material, process, and attentive listening.

I made my first drum over a decade ago, and since then drum making has been a core part of my artistic practice. Over the years, I have created hundreds of custom, hand-crafted frame drums for clients in over 45 countries worldwide.

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‚The custom drum Milena created for me is just crafted so beautifully and feels so lovingly made. The sound is pure medicine and the drum feels alive. Love to you Milena, you are a magical artist.‘

Subi I Holland

'When I play my drum I feel I am returning home to myself, to my body, to the earth beneath my feet.'

Katinka I Washington State

Birth of a Drum

Building a drum is a grounding and extraordinary process and I am continually inspired by working with natural materials such as rawhide and wood, which carry their own history, texture and life. With each drum, something entirely new is created: an instrument with its own unique voice and presence.

After soaking the hide in water, I stretch it over the frame, as it begins to dry, the drum’s voice starts to emerge. The relationship between the tension of the lacing and the hide’s thickness shapes the tone, determining whether it resonates deep and low or lifts into a higher register.

Once the hide has fully dried, the drum becomes a medium for visual expression too. When I paint a drum, I aim to create a cohesive, vibrant cosmology that carries both depth and clarity. My approach is intuitive and guided by technical precision. I respond to the natural markings of the rawhide and the drum’s overall presence, allowing the instrument to lead the way.

Find some sound samples here →

‚Thank You for a wonderful drum… already when unpacking it was noticeable that Milena is very mindful in her work. I am very grateful and love my drum. The sound, the processing, the design, packaging and the contact were very loving.‘

Inga I Germany

'Simple elegance, resembling subtleness and deep wisdom of the moon.'

Webby I Hongkong

Drum Care Guide

Rawhide is sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Treating your drum with care will help extend its lifespan. Avoid direct sunlight and strong heat sources such as heaters, stoves, or fireplaces. Excessive heat can cause the hide to contract, raising the tone, and may lead to cracking. Never leave your drum in a hot car. Heat can also cause the wooden frame to expand. For travel, use a drum bag and keep the drum covered to protect it from sunlight and temperature extremes. If you hang your drum on a wall, choose a place away from radiators, vents, and fireplaces. You can gently raise the tone before playing by placing the drum in sunlight for a few minutes.

High humidity, such as rainy weather, damp environments, or even wet laundry, can loosen the hide and deepen the tone. Too much moisture may cause the surface to become wavy. If this happens, avoid playing and allow the drum to return to its normal condition. If you have any questions or need further guidance, feel free to get in touch.

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FAQ

Yes, I offer personalized, custom-made drums with unique and individualized designs. Contact me to arrange a consultation and create your perfect instrument, tailored to your needs.

You can order drums made from the finest premium hide of goat, deer, horse, calve, cow, mountain goat, buffalo and chamois. Please get in touch if you require any further information.

My standard frames come in sizes ranging from 35 cm to 50 cm. I work with locally sourced wood, mostly using light beechwood for my frames, but I also work with birch, cedar and spruce.

Yes, I offer worldwide shipping. Your drum will be sent from the EU, but I can supply anywhere in the world. Your package will be delivered as an insured DHL delivery. Once the drum is on its way, you will receive a notification including the tracking number.

Contact me if you would like to place an order for your drum. Once your invoice has been paid, your order will be confirmed. Alternatively, you can order your drum through the online shop

Your Medicine Drum is a premium, handmade product. Please get in touch to check the current processing time.

I use quality watercolors that are absorbed into the untanned hide. The paint does not come off, even after years of playing the drum.

Find some sound samples here – please listen with headphones to fully hear the overtones and sonic depth.

‚I have never experienced such a connection to drums as I have with Milenas – it is beyond anything I have experienced, the sounds move me every time. This is my second drum purchase, thank you for your work and birthing powerful medicines.‘

Susan I London

'The artwork, the sound of this wonderful drum could not be better. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your work.'

Kati I Switzerland