designboom article: the dijeridu

djalu removing the dirt left by termites in the log

the didjeridu (or didgeridoo) is an ancient australian aboriginal musical instrument originally from the north of the northern territory of australia.

paintings in caves and rock shelters in north-eastern coastal regions of arnhem land as well as geological and geographical evidence suggest the didjeridu has
an age of over 1,000 years. it is thought to be one of the world’s oldest instruments.

legend has it that when the great ancestors of the aborigines gave them fire, a burning, hollow branch was picked up and the termites blown out of it.
the termites flew into the heavens and became stars. out of the strong, deep sound of the breath through the branch the didjeridu was born.the didjeridu is made from trunks or limbs of trees hollowed out by certain species of termites that nest in this monsoonal part of australia. every didjeridu made
of a natural tree trunk or branch is different and unique.

djalu checking the sound

didjeridu designs