Ancient drums have been discovered in almost every part of the world. Drums first appeared, however, in excavation from the Neolithic Era. The oldest recorded drum is from 6000 BC. Mesopotamian ruins contain small cylindrical drums that are as old as 3000 BC. Egyptian tombs have yielded small drums used for ceremonies. Several caves in Peru contain wall markings depicting drums in various aspects of societal life. It is strongly suspected that Indian drums from the Middle East are as old as 5000 BC. The American Indians used a series of wood and gourd drums for their celebrations and music, and some of these drums are still sued in ceremonies today.

Drum circles have been seen as a "fad" that has become popular in the last ten years or so, yet in reality this phenomenon is much more than an ephemeral expression of popular culture. Community drumming touches on many issues, including multiculturalism, racism and cultural appropriation, the mind/body relationship and healing, group dynamics and communication, personal growth and spiritual development, and more.