HOW DIDGERIDOOS ARE MADE
1.AREA
It is generally believed that didgeridoo where sourced from the
Northern areas of the Northern Territory and the North East of
the Kimberelys. These areas correspond to the distribution of
two types of eucalyptus trees, the stringybark and the woollybutt.
In traditional times Aborigines in Central Australia would trade
their unique boomerangs for various sizes of tope end didgeridoos
both wood and bamboo.
In the past 100 years didgeridoos have been cut and fabricated
throughout Queensland,
Western New South Wales and Western Australia.
2. SELECTION
Once an area is identified
the Aboriginal craftsmen would simply tap the tree or brands
to see if it is hollow. |
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3. CUT- TRADITIONALLY
In
traditional times special stone axes were used to cut the
tree but nowadays chainsaws are used.
4. CLEAN
OUT
The termite residual in each stick can
be cleaned out by soaking the length for a few days in water
then prising it out with a stick or coals. |
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5. STRIPPING
The outside bark is then stripped
using machetes other instruments. |
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7. SEALING
To
test for any holes or cracks in the timber a stick was sealed
by hands at both ends and held under water for two or three
minutes. To see if any bubbles appeared, if holes were detected
they would be filled with bees wax. |
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8. MOUTHPIECE
The
stick is then cut down to achieve the right pitch (usually
1-3 metres). If necessary bees wax is placed around the mouthpiece
to achieve a smoother seal. |
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8. FINISHED PRODUCT
We then have completed natural didgeridoo
that can be painted. (see art) |
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