What is didgeridoo?

The didgeridoo is a wooden wind instrument associated with the Aboriginal cultures of northern Australia, particularly the Yolngu people of north-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, who call it the yidaki. It is one of the world's oldest continuous musical instruments, played in ceremony for at least 1,500 years and most likely much longer.

The instrument is traditionally made from a length of eucalyptus branch hollowed out by termites. Makers cut the branch, clean the interior, smooth the mouthpiece (often with beeswax), and decorate the outside with ochre paint. Lengths vary from about one to three metres, with longer instruments producing lower pitches. The player produces sound by buzzing the lips against the mouthpiece and uses circular breathing to maintain a continuous drone over long performances.

In traditional Yolngu and other northern Australian contexts, the yidaki is played only by men and only in particular ceremonial settings. It accompanies clapsticks, voice, and dance in songlines that record the journeys of ancestral beings across the country. Different rhythms and songs are owned by different clans and can only be performed by people with the right ceremonial authority. Use of the instrument by women is a matter of cultural sensitivity in some communities and acceptable in others.

Outside ceremonial use, the didgeridoo is now played by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal musicians around the world. It features in popular music, jazz, classical compositions, and film soundtracks, including the work of artists like Yothu Yindi, William Barton, and the late Mark Atkins. Visitors to Australia frequently encounter the instrument at cultural performances, while community-led organisations like Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at Yirrkala train both Indigenous and visiting musicians in respectful traditional play. Buying authentic didgeridoos from Indigenous artists at recognised art centres is widely encouraged over cheaper imports made overseas.