How the didgeridoo is made

Didgeridoo's were traditionally sourced from the Northen Territorry and North East Kimberleys. Two types of trees are found in these areas, the woollybutt and the stringybark.  Didegridoos today are made all over Australia.

First an area is selected from where the didgeridoos will be cut. Aboriginal craftsmen would tap the tree trunks or branches to see if they are hollow.

Next the branch or tree trunk is cut to the desired size. Traditionally this was done using stone axes, and nowadays using chainsaws.

The length was then left in water to clean out termite residue.  Following this, the outside bark is stripped.

Any holes or cracks would then be sealed and the stick cut to the desired size. The mouthpiece would then be finished by applying a smooth layer of beeswax for a more comfortable seal.

Finally the didgeridoo is painted or burnt with art.