Didgeridoos

The didgeridoo is a musical instrument shaped from a hollowed log which is blown similarly to other wind instruments. The log is hollowed out by termites, after which its inside is cleaned out and its mouthpiece is covered with beeswax or resin. The length varies from one to one and a half metres and it has a diameter at the mouth piece around 30mm tapering to around 50mm at its base. Different lengths produce different sounds.

The didgeridoo originated in the top end of Australia no more than 1000 years ago. The instruments’ use and manufacture further south has only occurred this century. A technique known as circular breathing is used to play the instrument. Reserves of air held in the cheeks are blown down the mouthpiece with vibrating lips. The air is constantly replaced by rapid nasal sniffs, which do not interrupt the continuous blowing.

*Encyclopaedia Of Aboriginal Australia