Didjeridu

Version Castellano
Versione Italiana

End-blown natural trumpet without mouthpiece (423.121.11). The didjeridu consists of a piece of hollow eucalyptus whose blow-hole is covered with resin. The instrument is end-blown, the performer being able to combine megaphone and trumpet techniques. While in the second case, one or two sounds are produced, in the first case, the player articulates syllables, which accounts for the onomatopoeic name of the instrument.

The ornamentation used by the maker — Bob Muldubal — is similar to that of body designs. The predominance of blood and life colours in such decoration arises from an old tradition.

Burial and circumcision rites as well as propitiatory dances performed before huntings are all events where the didjeridu is sounded.

L. 117 x 0 blow-hole 4 x 0 bottom opening 7 cm.
Gift, Embassy of Australia in Argentina, 1977. IM 625.