When The Drummers Were Women: A Spiritual History of Rhythm

Am just getting into it and really like all the illustrations which are worth the price of the book alone. Who knew the history we've been so fed overlooks so much of women with drums for many thousands of years in many cultures. Had forgotten I bought a used one so was surprised to see it inscribed and signed by the author plus there were loose instruction sheets and music on how to play the tambourine tucked into it. Bonus points!

This book is a historical reference piece on the divine feminine. Where it began, how it developed, how it died and how it is reviving. it is very well-researched and goes into great detail about individual goddesses of the drum and rhythm. It goes very in-depth into the sacred feminine and where that has derived from. It speaks of different cultures from around the world and the female deities who represented them.The illustrations although black and white really add to the book and it's information. Some of the photos are of ancient statues and carvings and paintings that are just unbelievably gorgeous.It had a lot of information for the Layman but not a lot of new information for the well-versed. If you are a seasoned Pagan practitioner you will probably already know most of the things covered in this book.Altogether the book is very well compiled and obviously very well-researched. It is put together in such a way that it tells a definitive story throughout history. in my opinion this is the best way to lay out a historical reference book. it makes it much easier for the reader to follow and remember the information they are reading.This is definitely a book that I would recommend to any woman looking to revive her ancient roots and become in touch with the rhythm of her sacred & divine self.

I just finished reading this book. Although she makes a few claims that modern research has placed some doubt upon (such as sacred prostitution), overall I found this book to be extremely informative as well as inspiring. The book deals, as you might expect, with ancient traditions of women drumming, most typically priestesses of various European and Near Eastern goddesses, and most typically with the frame drum.It's primary foci are informational and inspirational, rather than attempting to be a perfect example of scholarship; however, the author is as thorough scholastically as I have ever seen in this genre of writing, with copious images from antiquity as well as notes for each chapter.Despite the very few historical inaccuracies, as well as some slight wording choices that I thought were leading, the only real disagreement I had with the author is when she declared, almost apologetically as though from a bit of residual fear, that she is not advocating a return to goddess worship. I disagree with this because I feel that such is what she really wanted to advocate, and in my opinion *should have* advocated.If you have any interest whatsoever in the history of religion, in the history of music, in a sane form of feminism, and/or in pre-Christian spiritualities, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!

An extraordinarily well-researched book. The history of women as drummers; eye-opening photos of worldwide art along with scholarly references equals a very readable and enlightening book.

Still reading great book.

Thoroughly researched and scholarly, this unique look at the spirituality of the ancient world is a classic in the frame drumming community worldwide. Layne Redmond discovered her life's work apprenticing to a male percussionist at a time (1960's) when women did not drum. She soon discovered that his collection of artwork from the ancient world, when drumming played an important role in sacred rites, were depictions of goddesses and priestesses. Just as Redmond's search for her spiritual roots as a woman percussionist lead her to produce this book, the book itself contains important information about the spiritual roots of all women today. If you are on such a quest, whether or not you drum, read this book and meet your spiritual ancestors. If you do drum, read this book and learn more about what the ancients knew about the powerful healing qualities of drumming.

Although I was excited that someone created a compilation and compendium of history on the sacred roles of women in music cults.. this did not cut it.The information here comes up short, opinionated, overtly anti male deity, and overtly postmodern feminist.I am a woman, a very free 27 year old woman.I have dedicated large portion of my life to studying ancient history and religion.This is so very wrong in its information.It is poorly cited, comes of poorly written (non academic, opinions), and presents a false understanding of the roles of the goddess’ of old as a single divine feminine somehow crushed by a storm god...Please.. if you’re going to write about the ancients.. spend some time with unbiased eyes and read literature without a feminist agenda.History is not gendered, nor should it be from either end. We can all understand the devastation women have faced culturally, socially, religiously.. without feeling the need to Morph the minds of the ancients to our personal whim and daydreams about what the world should be.

The information in this book changes everything I was taught from infancy until I was in my fifties. I enjoyed reading it very much and learn plenty.

Chegou!! Está em bom estado!

Using this book as both a personal and work related research tool and greatly appreciate the author's scholarly and intimate approach to the subject matter.

An inspirational book with so many different strands which led to the compulsion to pick up a drum and begin the journey into drumming practice with like minded friends. A deeply spiritual experience is now embedded into a daily practice of meditation and a weekly practice of drumming fellowship!

Amazing book! If you have an interest in the divine feminine, frame drums, the history of ancient music/instruments, or any combination of the above, then this is the book for you! Well researched and full of interesting information this is a book I will be returning to again and again.

I looked for this book for years, but couldn't find it. It is so great to have it back in print. A great resource for any drum enthusiast!