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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

D is for Didgeridoo


The Didgeridoo is a wind instrument developed by indigenous Australians of Northern Australia around 1500 years ago.  The modern day didgeridoo is 3-10 feet long, most being around 4 ft.  They are usually made from hardwoods, such as eucalyptus or bamboo.  The mouthpiece is usually covered in beeswax to soften it.  They are played by constant vibration of the lips and players use a technique known as circular breathing where they inhale through the nose while exhaling through the mouth simultaneously.

Traditionally, didgeridoos were played for ceremonial dancing and singing.  Only men were able to play or sing, but both women and men were able to dance.  Female didgeridoo players do exist but they play on an informal basis and are not encouraged.  The taboo is especially known in the indigenous groups of South East Australia where woman who played or even touched a didgeridoo was considered "cultural theft".

Aren't you glad you aren't indigenous Australian?  I know I am!

I have heard them played and have to say that there is no common comparison to any other instrument I have heard before.



15 comments:

  1. It never fails to amaze me the things that I am constantly learning... This post is wonderful on so many levels... music, history, culture and human nature. Well done!!

    Patricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice

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  2. Have so enjoyed your posts and this one does not dissapoint.

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  3. Very interesting! I bet "circular breathing" takes a LOT of practice!

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  4. That is my first exposure to that particular instrument. Interesting! :)

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  5. I used to love listening to people play this in college. Some would do it at parties, others would post up in the open areas as people walked to and from class.

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  6. It looks like a very hard instrument to play.

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  7. Not big on the cultural theft part but Didgeridoo is one of the best names for an instrument. So fun!

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  8. I'm in awe at anyone who can use circular breathing to play an instrument. Seems so hard to control!


    The Golden Eagle
    The Eagle's Aerial Perspective

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  9. very cool! love your musical instrument theme! :D

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  10. That word sound Australian! Didgeridoo. Fun to say!

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  11. Such a creative way to do this challenge! And I love that word: Didgeridoo. I could say it all day! haha

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  12. Love the theme of your blog, and love the Didgeridoo! I've owned one for years (still terrible, can't circular breathe) but still fun nonetheless. The culture behind the Didgeridoo almost overshadows its musical tones! I will be following your blog, look forward to what's next!!

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  13. Very interesting theme, Heather. I love learning about instruments some of which I never even heard of before.

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  14. a very odd instrument. Interesting post.

    now following,
    mood
    Moody Writing

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