Folk Arts - Master Artist - Fred Hill Sr.

Fred Hill Sr.. Photo by Fritz Dent.

Fred Hill is respected within his tribe and has been a lead drummer in Yakama ceremonies. The drums Hill makes have significant meaning to his people since they are produced with skills and knowledge passed on to him through respected elders such as Leroy B. Selam and Charles McKay. It is estimated that as few as 5 percent of the Yakama tribe currently living on the reservation speak the Yakama language. Most individuals who still speak the language are too old or don’t have the strength to go on ceremonial hunting trips or to prepare the hide for the drums. Yakama traditional drum making, related ceremonies, and the language which connects them are in danger of being lost.

As a recipient of a 1995 Apprenticeship grant, Hill taught Damien Totus the process of making traditional Yakama drums, drum framing, traditional drumming songs, and the ceremonial hunting and the preparation of hide. Most of Hill’s lessons were taught in the Yakama language, making Totus one less unable to speak his native language. The two hiked into mountain areas to find deer or elk, hunt the animal, and skin it. Then they prepared the hide, by first scraping off the fur, then blending oils from the animal to apply to the hide, stretching it, then building and shaping a frame for the drum. Both master and apprentice worked with the approval of tribal elders, and this apprenticeship was received by them with anticipation and high expectations. In the Washut religion, the drum represents the circle of life, and Totus is carrying out this symbol in learning the tradition, practicing it, and he intends to carry it with him for the rest of his life to teach others.