What is a Cultrun?

A Cultrun is a traditional drum of the Mapuche people of Chile and Argentina, known for its deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is a type of membranophone used in both musical and ceremonial contexts.

The instrument typically has a shallow, rounded wooden body with a drumhead made from animal skin stretched across the top. The surface is often decorated with symbolic designs representing the Mapuche worldview, including elements of nature and cosmology.

A Cultrun is played with a stick or the hands, producing a steady, resonant rhythm. The sound is deep and grounding, often used to accompany chants, dances, and rituals.

It is especially important in spiritual ceremonies led by Mapuche healers, where the drum is believed to connect the physical and spiritual worlds.

Today, the Cultrun remains a powerful cultural symbol and is used in both traditional practices and cultural performances, representing identity, heritage, and spiritual connection.