The Didgeridoo

or is it didjeridoo? Both spellings are common, but didgeridoo is the preferred spelling according to Robert Christopherson's all encompassing text on the instrument, History and Science of the Didgeridoo, 3rd Edition, 1979. He also goes into detail about the other uses of the instrument that made it especially important to the aboriginal peoples of Australia. As you can see in this picture, the object made a formidable weapon if needed, and it was sometimes prefered as a club rather than traditional weapons because it is hollow and easy to transport. You can also see that it appears as if he is smoking a large pipe, and according to Christopherson, it was traditional for the elders to smoke the mescaline from indigenous cacti. Even the sound the didgeridoo makes had importance beyond the musical quality in warring times because it was used to frighten any opposing tribes into submission before fighting even began. More of this fascinating information can be found in Christopherson's book if you can get a hold of one.