Didgeridoos & Boomerangs
Didgeridoos
The sound of the didgeridoo is quintessential to the very soul of Australia's natural landscape. No other sound can evoke such strong images of the Australian outback better than the haunting tones of the didgeridoo.The Aboriginal people believe the ancient didgeridoo helped to "sing" the world into existence and they still use it in their traditional ceremonies.
The didgeridoo has its origins in the Arnhemland region of Northern Australia. Anthropologists have mixed theories about the emergence of the didgeridoo into Aboriginal cultural practices. One theory is based on the fact that the appearance of images depicting the didgeridoo, on rock paintings, dates back 20,000 years. To appreciate the mysticism of the instrument is not to be so concerned with dates and figures but to simply enjoy its nature.
Didgeridoos are made from several varieties of eucalyptus trees which are hollowed by the action of termites (or white ants). These species include the Woollybutt, Stringybark and Blood wood and are found in the monsoonal belt across northern Australia.
The hollow trees are carefully selected for suitable length. The outer bark is cut back and the interior deposits are knocked out. Various techniques are used to season the timber and these include burying in wet sand and heat tempering.
The artwork from the Arnhemland region features a technique known as "rrark" or crosshatch. The designs and totems have significance to the maker and usually refer to ancestral or spirit totems. The more traditional ochres have now been replaced with commercial artists' acrylic paints and these have a much longer lasting quality.
Many styles of decoration have now emerged including the "dot" style of Central Australia. Some of the burning techniques have also been introduced and these designs are mainly produced in the southern parts of Australia.
The didgeridoo is not always decorated and the unpainted wood grain of many of the eucalypt species provides a unique texture and finish as a natural timber.
The didgeridoo sound is created by vibrating the lips. Constant pressure is produced by a circular breathing technique which is maintained by breathing through the nose and pushing the air from the lungs, hence the sound is uninterrupted. The tongue, lips and breathing combine to create energetic rhythmic patterns.
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DidgdomsPrice: $6.50 (plus postage & packing) |
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Didgeridoo BagsColor: Black 
Color: Black
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Natural DidgeridoosSize: Small (approximately 110cm) mailing and insurance inclusive Size: Medium (approximately 120cm) mailing and insurance inclusive Size: Large (approximately 140) mailing and insurance inclusive |
BOOMERANGS
The boomerangs used throughout Australia have several different styles and designs. The Aborigines of Central Australia used two styles of boomerangs. The hunting boomerang ‘Kali’ is only slightly curved with one end being more pronounced. These are used mainly for striking a speared animal such as an emu or kangaroo. The fighting boomerang has a hook end and is often referred to as a ‘number seven’. These were used traditionally as the weapon in one to one combat.The returning boomerang is more typical of the northern and coastal regions of Australia. The Aborigines would use nets made from the pandanus grass. These would be tied from tree to tree across a lake or estuary. The boomerang would be thrown down wind of the geese or water fowl. The flight of the curving boomerang would resemble a hawk or eagle and frighten the birds into the nets.
Archeological evidence has shown that boomerangs were used by other tribal groups throughout the world. Ebony boomerangs with gilded tips were discovered in the tomb of Tutankamun in Egypt. These are believed to have originated in India.
Boomerangs are also used in ceremony as a percussion accompaniment for dancing and singing.
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Paul Bryden BoomerangsDescription: Paul Bryden is one of Australia’s boomerang throwing champions and these boomerangs have been Paul’s favourite teaching boomerang for many years. Great for first-time adult throwers and youngsters from twelve years of age. This basic sporting shape can also complete lovely one & a half circle flights then hover in for the catch. Practise & practise to make this happen. Best in very light breeze.Flight range: 25-30m. Flight range: 25-30m. Flight range: 25-30m. |
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Wimbuck Handcrafted BoomerangsDescription: Francis Wimbis was originally from Queensland. Born in 1944 he was one of the ‘stolen generation’. Francis is a descendant of the “Cubie Cubie” people in Queensland between Rockhampton and Mackay on the Sunshine Coast, South East Queensland known as the ‘Sand People’. Francis hand crafts boomerangs, music sticks, emu callers and didgeridoos. Size: Large Size: Medium Size: Small
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Related Links: Learn To Play Didge, Didgeridoo Music
