(formerly Montana Outback Didgeridoos)
Barking Treefrog Dijiridooz
YIDAKI or dijeridu is the funky musical instrument unique to the aboriginal cultures of Northern Australia. When played properly it makes an energetic sound that seems to rise up from the earth, vibrating every molecule in the vicinity. All this amazing sound from what basically appears to be nothing more than a simple hollow log. The interaction between instrument and player creates a resonance that floods a space with positive vibrations.
What the Aborigines traditionally used them for, I am in no position to say. Such knowledge is kept well hidden within secret tribal societies. Mainly though it's an instrument that makes a funky sound that is a joy to play and fun to hear. But more than hearing the sound, you actually feel it.
Though the origins of the didgeridoo are lost in antiquity, the instrument came to me oddly enough while at an Indigenous gathering in the American southwest about 20 years ago. It kept showing up on my path, so I took it up. Having a creative curiosity I soon began to make didges from anything I could find that produced a suitable sound.
After experimenting with many different materials I settled in to making didges from Agave and Yucca stalks. I like the way those materials respond and the quality of the sound they produce. I like the strength combined with the light weight. I enjoy every aspect of production from collecting in the mountains of the southwest to building and finally playing them.
I hope the didgeridoo (however you want to spell it) finds as special a place in your life, as it does in mine. These didges were hand-made in a log cabin in northwest Montana from all natural ingredients. Enjoy in good conscience!
Anyone can play! Look ma, no hands! This is Perry Kushner of Taos, New Mexico demonstrating a popular playing technique - out the side of the mouth. At just over a year old when this photo was taken (October of '06), Perry is the youngest didgeridoo player we know.
Disclaimer: We'll be the first to admit the obvious: these didgeridoos are of non-indigenous origin. Barking Treefrog Dijiridooz are a North American adaptation of an ancient Australian Aboriginal concept. For authentic Aborigine-made instruments and excellent didgeridoo videos and resources may we suggest iDIDJ Australia "The Internet's most comprehensive resource on the didgeridoo and its source culture..."
In honor of the indigenous people to whom this instrument belongs:
The image on the right shows Larry Winiwini of the Yolngu Tribe from north-east Arnhem Land in Australia's top end. His father is the revered Yirdaki master Djalu Gurruwiwi. Larry is one of the world's best Yirdaki players. Yirdaki is the Yolngu name for didgeridoo. It is to them and their ancestors that we owe a huge debt of gratitude for bringing the didgeridoo to the present day. The Yolngu are the true custodians of Yirdaki.
