Richard Flittie, a drum maker from Pleasant Hill, will showcase his Native American drums at the upcoming “Native American Heritage Day” at Peña Adobe this Saturday.
Flittie’s journey into drum-making began about 15 years ago when he and his wife attended a workshop in Mount Shasta. “I didn’t really know what to expect; I just wanted a drum for myself,” he shared in an email with the DR. Upon arrival, he was captivated by the various drums in the teacher’s home, each with its distinct appearance and sound.
During the workshop, students introduced themselves and shared their expectations, with Flittie being the only male among nine participants, all of whom were women. “I was the last in line to speak and expressed my desire to create a personal drum. At that moment, I decided I wanted to become a drum maker,” he recounted.
The instructor made a significant effort to impart knowledge during the two-day class, providing Flittie with a packet of resources and vendor contacts for the materials and tools he would need.
Crafting a drum takes about three to four days, with four to five hours of active work. Much of this time involves soaking the hides to ensure they are flexible enough to stretch over the drum hoop. Once assembled, the drum can take up to two days to dry.
“My primary skins are buffalo and elk,” Flittie noted. “I also create custom drums using various hides upon request, but I prefer not to use domestic skins like cow or goat. Everything in my drum-making process is done by hand.”
Flittie participated in last year’s event, where he was pleasantly surprised by the interest shown by attendees. Many stopped to inquire about his drums and his Tribal ancestry, and he hopes for similar engagement this Saturday.
Flittie’s journey into drum-making was part of a broader exploration of his cultural heritage, connecting with his Oglala Lakota Sioux roots from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
His interest in genealogy was sparked by a social media post from someone sharing his last name. After reaching out, he discovered they were indeed related, which deepened his connection to his heritage.
In 2013, Flittie returned to Pine Ridge for the first time since 1973, meeting then-tribal vice president Tom Poor Bear, who inquired about his enrollment in the Tribe. Following Poor Bear’s guidance, Flittie completed the necessary paperwork and was confirmed as an enrolled member of the Tribe two months later.
“My mother was enrolled at birth, and I could have been as well, but for some reason, she chose not to enroll any of her six children,” Flittie explained. His tribal lineage traces back to a Lakota woman named Pretty Hips in the 1800s, spanning six generations of matriarchs.
Approximately 10% of Flittie’s work is commissioned, with customers frequently praising his craftsmanship. Many express satisfaction with how well his drums maintain their tuning, especially during humid conditions, a common issue for many drums.
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