Drums are probably the oldest musical instrument.  They are used in many ancient ritual dances but they have symbology beyond just making music.   There usual round shape is a clue that they are symbols for the sun, the universe or heaven.  They are also symbols of time, rhythm, motion and cycles.   Ancient shaman, witch doctors and medicine men  in all parts of the world used drums in ceremonies to invoke helpful spirits, to help people reach God or, along with dances, to help make things happen, such as rain.  
      Drums can also symbolize the primal sound, the sound of the universe and as such, the sound of divine truth and revelation.  The beat of the drum can represent heart beats.  In Shinto, large taiko drums are part of many ceremonies.  Miriam, the sister of Moses, played drums to celebrate leaving Egypt.  In Buddhism, the beating of the drum of Dharma is said to awaken the ignorant and lazy.  In China, the drum is the voice of heaven.  Drums are associated with Roman, Greek and Norse thunder gods.  Christianity is probably the only major religion where drums are seldom used in religious ceremonies.