Materials it is made of

A didgeridoo has to be made of the main truck of a hardwood. Traditionally, they are made from different species of eucalyptus trees, such as stringly bark and woolly butt. However, they can also be made for oak and ash trees, but modern didgeridoos are usually also made of eucalyptus as it maintains the authentic sounds.

 

Construction:

When making the didgeridoo, traditionally, an aborigine would tap on the eucalyptus tree to test if it is hollow. If is, they would use stone axes to cut out the truck of the tree. Once done, they will clean out the hollow truck of termite infestation by soaking the truck in water for a few days, allowing them to clear out whatever is leftover inside with a stick or coal. The outer bark is then stripped away with a machete. To test for possible holes in the truck, they sealed both ends by hands and place the truck in water. If bubbles appear it is obvious there are holes, which are then sealed with bees wax. The didgeridoo is usually 1.3 meters in length and is cut in a certain way, in that specific length to achieve the correct sound. The final touch is a layer or bees wax around the mouth piece.

 

 

Decoration:

Most didgeridoos are decorated with traditional Australian art. They were painted with ochres, according to the style and tradition of the clan. The patterns and pictures painted on them were to reflect stories, animals or important figures like gods and chiefs. The decorations added to the outside of the didgeridoo would not affect the overall sound.