8/11/2011

Didgeridoos - Clearly Unique

By Claudia Kasen


There's no mistaking the characteristic sound of a didgeridoo, the traditional woodwind instrument associated for centuries with the aborigines of Australia. They have been made and used from times immemorial and are prized today as among the best symbols of aboriginal culture, music and tradition. Often made of the wood of the eucalyptus tree, that has been hollowed out, they are embellished with colourful inscriptions and photos, all of which are important and symbolical to those that make and play them. It is said that a didgeridoo is not genuine unless it's been made by someone who himself has been involved in this long line of practice and history and whose ancestors likewise made and used these instruments.

Succeeding generations have utilized the didgeridoo in ceremonies, civil and religious, at celebrations and on memorable occasions. It is regarded almost as something holy, like totem poles to the Indians, and is considered to be a powerful way of perpetuating the traditional aboriginal practice, culture and manner of living, currently under threat. They come principally from the Yolgnu peoples of northerly Australia and at times the didgeridoo is known as a Yidaki. Some are made now in plastic as they are said to be more hygienic. There are long didgeridoos, bell didgeridoos, and forked didgeridoos. Nobody exactly knows the origins of the word didgeridoo, although many proposals and theories have been propounded.

The Unmistakeable Characteristics Of The Australian Didgeridoo

They come in all sizes and styles although essentially they're a long hollow pipe but you can purchase didgeridoos that make low sounds and others that produce high notes. The material they are made from impacts on the sound they make and they need a robust pair of lungs if they are going to be actually effective. Due to this there are some health benefits to be obtained from playing this ancient instrument and it may be smart to scan sites that focus on how to properly play the didge.

Although the didgeridoo is very popular and many are sold throughout the world, there's no guarantee that these are legitimate, in the way I have described and so the north Australian tribes who still make them and rely heavily upon their sales for income, are seeing very little by way of profit and their way of life and awfully existence is in serious danger. We are able to do something to help by insisting on buying truly legitimate aboriginal didgeridoos and obtaining some type of explanation or evidence the instrument you are purchasing is authentic.




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