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# Yidaki The yidaki (called didgeridoo by Europeans) is a long tube made from the hollowed-out eucalyptus branch. When a suitable branch is found, it is cut to the correct size, the bark is removed, and a ring of smooth wax or resin is applied around the mouthpiece. The finished yidaki may be left...

# Yidaki The yidaki (called didgeridoo by Europeans) is a long tube made from the hollowed-out eucalyptus branch. When a suitable branch is found, it is cut to the correct size, the bark is removed, and a ring of smooth wax or resin is applied around the mouthpiece. The finished yidaki may be left plain or decorated with paint, burn marks, or carvings. ## Yidaki in History Based on cave art, the yidaki was created by First Nations Australians more than 2,000 years ago. According to First Nations Australians, the first yidaki was discovered by a man named Burbuk Boon. One cold night, Burbuk Boon picked up a log to add to the fire, and realized it was hollowed out by termites. Instead of throwing the termites in the fire, Burbuk Boon blew through it, creating a great sound, and the termites became the stars in the night sky. ## Playing the Yidaki Playing a yidaki is similar to playing a trombone. Players place their lips against the wax seal and vibrate them as they blow down the long tube to produce a low-pitched drone. Players puff out their cheeks and store air in their mouths, breathing through their noses. They can add other noises as they play, mimicking the sounds of animals. ## Yidaki Range The yidaki's range spans over three octaves. ## Yidaki Traditions The yidaki is traditionally used to accompany songs, dances, and sacred First Nations Australian rituals. Some First Nations tribes believe that the yidaki should be played only by men; it can be frowned upon, or even forbidden, for women to play or touch the instrument. ## Top Players Famous Yidaki players include: * Yothu Yindi band * Mark Atkins * Jimmy Page * Philip Glass * William Barton Most yidakis are around 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) long, but some can be up to 10 feet (3 meters) long. The longer the yidaki, the deeper the sound it produces. ## Other Instruments * **Clapsticks:** Pairs of sticks (about 8 inches or 20 centimeters long) clapped together to create a noise. They are played with the yidaki or used to beat time for songs and dances. * **Bull-roarer:** A flat, leaf-shaped piece of wood attached to a cord and whirled in the air to produce a low-pitched roar. * **Seed rattle:** First Nations Australians may use rattles and shakers to accompany their singing and dancing. These are usually made from dried seeds of plants and trees, such as the boab. * **Drum:** Some First Nations tribes use drums made from hollowed-out logs of eucalyptus trees. The drum skin is made of lizard, snake, or kangaroo skin. * **Gumleaf:** A simple instrument made from a single eucalyptus leaf. To play the gumleaf, you hold it against your lips and blow. First Nations Australians originally used the gumleaf to imitate bird noises.