THE DIDGERIDOO
The didgeridoo is an essential instrument to Yothu Yindi, being at the center of all of there songs in the music that they create. The didgeridoo has a long and interesting history. Although some believe the Australian Aborigine has been using the didgeridoo for over 40,000 years, the oldest records of Aborigines playing the didgeridoo date back 2000 years in the form of old Northern Territory cave and rock paintings. In the west we have only been playing the didgeridoo for a maximum of 30 years and only in the last ten years or so have we been trying to play traditional Aboriginal style. A growing number of westerners are now discovering the beautiful rich harmonics and subtleties that come from playing this beautiful instrument.
The didgeridoo is an essential instrument to Yothu Yindi, being at the center of all of there songs in the music that they create. The didgeridoo has a long and interesting history. Although some believe the Australian Aborigine has been using the didgeridoo for over 40,000 years, the oldest records of Aborigines playing the didgeridoo date back 2000 years in the form of old Northern Territory cave and rock paintings. In the west we have only been playing the didgeridoo for a maximum of 30 years and only in the last ten years or so have we been trying to play traditional Aboriginal style. A growing number of westerners are now discovering the beautiful rich harmonics and subtleties that come from playing this beautiful instrument.
THE SOUND IT CREATES
HOW THEY ARE TRADITIONALLY CREATED
Traditionally, didgeridoos are made from eucalyptus trees that have been eaten out by termites. In the northern part of Australia, where the didgeridoo originated, the type of eucalyptus tree was usually the Wooly Butt gum, or, another kind the Stringy Box gum.
After a suitable log is found, it has to be cleaned out on the inside. After eating the inside of the log out, termites leave a kind of honeycomb structure. This loose waste product can be removed by repeatedly lifting the log up and thumping one end, usually the wider end, down onto a hard surface. The honeycombed structure will usually fall out of the log leaving a decent hole in the middle.
Traditionally, didgeridoos are made from eucalyptus trees that have been eaten out by termites. In the northern part of Australia, where the didgeridoo originated, the type of eucalyptus tree was usually the Wooly Butt gum, or, another kind the Stringy Box gum.
After a suitable log is found, it has to be cleaned out on the inside. After eating the inside of the log out, termites leave a kind of honeycomb structure. This loose waste product can be removed by repeatedly lifting the log up and thumping one end, usually the wider end, down onto a hard surface. The honeycombed structure will usually fall out of the log leaving a decent hole in the middle.
Once the inside of the log is empty, the walls of the inside must be then sanded to allow for proper movement of air when being played.
To sculpt the didgeridoo the natives use stone axes, sharp shells and the dried leaf of a fig tree to make the didgeridoo. To seal the timber, animal fat or oil was rubbed into the timber, which was then heated over the coals of a fire and polished.
Once the didgeridoo is made it is now time to decorate it. Native Aboriginals favor bright colors and intricate patterns, much like the picture above.
Once the didgeridoo is made it is now time to decorate it. Native Aboriginals favor bright colors and intricate patterns, much like the picture above.
Finally, a mouth piece is made from bees wax. It is required for two reasons. One, to make it smooth and comfortable for your lips to rest on, and two, the bees wax can be shaped to the size and shape of your mouth after warming it. The bees wax hardens again when it cools.