Name and Country |
Did you know that fact? |
What do you think or feel about the fact that well over 90% of all didgeridoos sold are not made by Aboriginal people, nor is any money from those sales returned to Aboriginal people? |
Adam from Israel |
No |
I understand it in a way - a original aboriginal didge is expensive I think and anyone trying to learn is not going to invest that kind of money. personally I am trying to build my own... and as this is the age of global village - the borders have crumbled - for good or bad or both. besides the ugly way in which the white man has been dealing with 'primitive peoples' is not new. I personally think the aboriginal people are/where the most advanced culture on the face of this planet. |
Aisling from United Kingdom |
No |
I think that this is awful it is so wrong that a native peoples cultural instrument is being abused as a means to gain money. |
Alan from United Kingdom |
No |
Disgusted and the reason I regularly come to this site. |
Alban Hall from Brazil |
No |
Very sad if the didges come from australia.(answered also below!! ) if the dig. is wood from another country that is different but if it is from australia and aboriginal people are being exploited then this has to stop with a control of exported didges that have to be stamped or something that they are officially recognized as an authentic product. consumer pressure. it is happening with gmo products can be done with didges. the wood knows the truth. also important the non environmental didges ie cut at the root |
Anonymous |
No |
Unfortunate for sure! |
Andy from New Zealand |
No |
Disgusted |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
I think the didj is a beautiful and amazing instrument and if people want to make there own to make a profit I have no problem with that... however the aboriginal people hold secrets that only they can no of so if you want REAL didj we know who to go to |
Asheen Muhammad from USA |
No |
I know that people should be acknowledged and rewarded for their unique abilities and not exploited for them. I am happy to see the Didjshop management has a sense of oneness and is conscious of the contributions made by others. We are one people and that type of business breaks the connection and causes dissension and disparity. |
Attila Kovacs from United Kingdom |
No |
It is terrible they should be rewarded. |
Anonymous |
No |
It's incredible that Didjshop can keep this ancestral culture alive at this days |
Brad from Australia |
No |
Unfortunately I don't think this can be stopped. It is very similar to what is happening to Native American Indian artifacts. There will be people that want to buy them purely for "show" and have no concerns as to where or by whom they were made. I think it is a reflection of European culture. |
Bret from USA |
No |
If the material comes from their territory and it is their cultural contribution then I think they should be rightfully compensated. |
Anonymous |
No |
It's exploitation of Aboriginal culture. |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
Unusual |
Carl Fortune from USA |
No |
Not cool this instrument is specific to their culture and out of respect people should insist on only only ones made by them. If some one cannot afford an original made by an aborigine they can make their own out of pvc. |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
Makes me more committed to doing the homework to ensure I do get an authentic one that is sustainably harvested. |
Cheryl from Australia |
No |
It is difficult to know how to overcome this. People need to be educated to buy only from reputable sources. It is a rip off of indigenous culture. |
Chris from Australia |
No |
Should be regulated |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
I think it is ridiculous...I feel that the Aboriginal people of Australia have been treated bad enough especially in the past and now their traditions and art etc...is being used to make money but they receive nothing. They are still being screwed. It's not right. |
Claudio Villegas from Chile |
No |
I hope that Capitalism and the anxiety to sell not destroy the roots of which means didgeridoo and the Aboriginal people. |
Anonymous |
No |
I did not know poor very poor |
Courtney from USA |
No |
I think it sucks...they are entitled to what they deserve. |
Craig from Australia |
No |
Very sad. Aboriginal people are largely low skilled and this is some thing close to there heart. |
Damian Liphardt from Poland |
No |
Aboriginal people have rights as well as any nation in the world who claim their right to something what have source in their culture. I think that is no justice in the world and if you think that there is... you are badly wrong. What we can do abut it? I think that our culture is already on line and the question is... what we gone a do about it? |
Dan Buske from USA |
No |
Surprised |
Daniel Barringer from USA |
No |
It's sickening to put it quite simply. People are profiting off of a ure that is not even their own without any nod to the ure that invented such a kick-ass instrument. |
Daniel Johnson from Australia |
No |
I didn't realize it was that many. I think didge's made purely for profit from non-indigenous people is absolutely disgusting! There are white didge maker's in victoria that are making them to "fill the gap" as a majority of didge's down here are not quality instruments but just tourist souvenirs. |
Daniel Karlsson from USA |
No |
I think the true and original artists of these beautiful instruments should be reaping the benefits. |
Anonymous |
No |
Shocking and troubling |
Dave from United Kingdom |
No |
Didge s are part of aboriginal culture.and being exploited by a greedy minority. |
Daved Dekiesby from Australia |
No |
Sad |
David from Australia |
No |
It is a hard one to follow up on as many are sold in unregulated areas. I believe most people would buy from aboriginal sources if the option was available to them |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
Well I would like more Didgeridoos to be made by Aboriginal people but as far as profits being given back to them for none authentic Didj's is not necessary seeing that someone else put the time into making his own didj. |
Dima Shevelev from Israel |
No |
I believe its very sad not only because they get nothing for something they invented but also because it reflects the attitude towards Aboriginal's generally. |
Duane Allen from USA |
No |
It's unfortunate and morally reprehensible but not particularly surprising to me. |
Earl Tharp from USA |
No |
It is wrong. Aboriginal people should be compensated for their work and whenever anyone uses one of their cultural images it should be with proper compensation and credit. |
Anonymous from Canada |
No |
It doesn't matter which way the wind blows.. racism is racism even against white people.. therefore limiting anything to or from anyone is unjust. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
I think that the Aboriginal people should get more credit for this sacred instrument |
Eric from Canada |
No |
I do not agree with the mass production and destruction of the land for the sole purpose of supplying a growing market. I hope that anyone that respects the land and the materials and the instrument created should benefit from the creation. It is sad to have such a high percentage of didgeridoos not made by aboriginals.. It is from them we have experienced such a beautiful art form and it should be recognized and respected. |
Erika from USA |
No |
Hurts the culture and takes revenue away from the people who deserve it for their survival |
Eskii from Australia |
No |
I think it reflects the sad state of humanity especially when it comes to money and business. |
Fabiana from Italy |
No |
More controls pr aboriginal people |
Flemming Jans from Denmark |
No |
I think that it shut be 90% made by Aboriginal people. |
Flemming from Denmark |
No |
Didgeridoos are cultural musical instruments. How can anyone make one without that specific cultural background? |
Gabriel Levesque from Canada |
No |
If it's true this thing is bad... The Didgeridoo is such a nice musical instrument that have to be bought from it's true first place. But I'm sure of one thing playing with a fake one ore playing with one that has been created by a true Aboriginal artist is not the same thing. |
Gabriel Solis Carmona from Costa Rica |
No |
Es como piratería ya q simplemente están robando la cultura de un país. Ellos son personas sin muchos ingresos y no reciben nada cambio de el gran aporte q han hecho a nuestra cultura musical. |
Gerry from USA |
No |
I think it bloody well stinks aye. I'm a Canadian feller aye! So I can chin wag with you mates.aye...The natives always seem to get the short end aye...Gerry |
Hailey from USA |
No |
Sad |
Helen Niles from USA |
No |
The aboriginal need the income to help support there families...I being an native american understand this because 90% of so called native american good are imports from china or third world countries |
Horst Christian Pätzinger from Germany |
No |
The Aboriginal culture must be better protected |
Ian from United Kingdom |
No |
Sad it spoils peoples playing enjoyment it can also have an adverse affect on peoples idea to aboriginal skills in making Didj |
Ivan Matamoros Jeronimo from Spain |
No |
I'll love to have the opportunity to buy one better if I could travel to Australia personaly..but I can't.In my country is not easy to find a real yidaky..and if you find one prices are madness!!At the moment all I can play is a plastic tube..sounds good but..and a wooden one I did my own(not really good sound..) I dream about to playing a real Aboriginal didge someday. |
Jake Lundberg from USA |
No |
I would say it's OK if the same techniques and care for the land and instrument were followed. If it's just to mass create poor instruments I'm against it. |
James from Australia |
No |
Not good |
James from USA |
No |
I think it's horrible. Much like the plight of our native Americans. |
James from United Kingdom |
No |
Its not good I believe the trade should be given to the aboriginals as it's come from them its there history a part of what they are and they should be the sole creators of a great instrument. |
James Townsend from USA |
No |
I think that is very unfair. Given the fact that without the Aboriginal people we would not have the instrument in the first place. |
Anonymous from Spain |
No |
It's not fair |
Anonymous |
No |
I think that this is very wrong. |
Jeff Reasoner from USA |
No |
Well In my case the only access I had to a didge was at the music store. I looked everywhere. all I could find in my city was a bamboo one so I bought It learned circular breathing. But that cheap one made want an authentic didge which led me here among other places. |
Jeffrey from Australia |
No |
I think it is wrong in so many ways. |
Anonymous |
No |
Don't know |
Jesse from Australia |
No |
I think that this is unfair as the didj is a part of Indigenous culture and should be respected and not exploited. I do not have a problem with non-Indigenous people making and selling didj's as long as they respect Indigenous culture and do not exploit it. |
Anonymous |
No |
As long as the item is accurately described for the consumer I really don't have an issue. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No one should be denied the joy of making music or musical instruments. However if the instrument in question means something more to the original creators others making them shouldn't cheapen the real thing and the people who made it by not giving proper credit. Giving money back to the Aboriginal people from the sale of authentic (and impostor) didjeridus is a great idea but to ask for money from someone who makes non-authentic didjeridus and doesn't call them authentic would be less than reasonable. |
Joe from USA |
No |
I am disappointed but not really surprised |
Anonymous |
No |
More people should make their own. |
John Coheley from USA |
No |
It is a problem that needs to be addressed. |
Anonymous |
No |
Sad |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
I believe that the maker of the dig should be identified so that we can choose to buy an aboriginal dig |
Johnny from USA |
No |
I am not saying this is fair but I believe they should be labeled by the maker so as not to mislead people. |
Judith from Belgium |
No |
Good |
Anonymous |
No |
That is really unfair |
Kelly Sandy from USA |
No |
That is ethically and morally wrong to discredit and/or not give credit to the culture and people that originated such a unique tradition and musical instrument. |
Anonymous |
No |
That is a very sad statistic. The aboriginal people created this beautiful spiritual instrument and because it is part of their culture they should be compensated and given the respect they deserve. |
Kevin Wiggins from USA |
No |
It is a sad fact that is sickening and unfortunately true about most ancient people |
Kirk from USA |
No |
I feel The didgeridoo is a Universal instrument even though Aboriginals invented it. |
Koen from Belgium |
No |
I leeks not good. |
Anonymous |
No |
Not all the djembe drums are made in africa by africans (though considered as an african drum). If I would make one I don't think I have to pay someone for it! |
Anonymous |
No |
Unfortunately that's our society today...deceiving. I do not judge others and keep and open mind. I can only hope that the Aboriginals get some recognition and money for what they hold so precious to them. |
Leelen from USA |
No |
It makes me feel sad that again the Aboriginal people are being exploited. I also realize that many folks are extremely ignorant of this fact. |
Leigh Carson from Ireland |
No |
I feel pissed off because I hate the way indigenous people are treated throughout the world whether it be Australia America Africa Asia or indeed Ireland. |
Leslie from USA |
No |
It is sad. |
Anonymous |
No |
Ambiguous. I was given one of these said didges by a Brazilian friend of mine some 5 years ago and it inspired me to find out more about Aboriginal culture and eventually find my own 'real' didge. In this way they can be a good way to introduce people. On the other hand there is also a certain element of 'you're kinda hippyish and will buy this' in the kinds of shop where you find such didges which leads to people uttering phrases of indifference such as 'oh everyone plays those now don't they' and thus contributing to an attitude of indifference toward other cultures and their history. |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
It sucks |
Lindi from Australia |
No |
Once again plundering culture and opportunities for the indigenous peoples of this country |
Lindy from USA |
No |
Traditional arts should support the peoples who developed them not be used to capitalize on someone else's culture! |
Lisa Hallam from Canada |
No |
It just sickens me of the injustice of this! |
Louis Fournier from Canada |
No |
It's not Fare |
Lubos from Czech Republic |
No |
Those are modern Djs most of all. Original Djs are made by Ab people are not they? No problem |
Anonymous from Argentina |
No |
I don't know that... I think it's a very bad fact |
Anonymous |
No |
I Think that it's a oral instruction the aboriginal culture and will be for ever. And think that may have to be institutes to tell too more people about this culture. |
Luis from Portugal |
No |
This fact really makes me sad... another sign of the desecration of tradition by modern man. everything has a place and time. didgeridoos are a beautiful tradition of the aboriginal people and they should not be taken advantage of. |
Anonymous |
No |
Ok |
Maja from Czech Republic |
No |
In my opinion in today's conditions each man can do what other if they want. It will be nice if we can learn from Aborigines not only how to play Didgeridoo. But it will be great if some % from sold will be returned to them. |
Anonymous from Belgium |
No |
That is a mistake |
Markus from France |
No |
I think that there are not enough aboriginal to produce all those didgeridoos which are needed all over the world. But it's clear that I wont support those Philippine didges which comes out of some factories near katherine.... This must be stopped!!! |
Marlon Fuller from USA |
No |
It should be stopped. |
Martin from Austria |
No |
Wherever people smell quick money they ignore ethics. It is kind of intrusion into cultural heritage. |
Matt from Australia |
No |
Its sad to hear that there aren't enough traditional aboriginals doing it for a living. but I guess that might be because not all tribes actually played the didgeridoo I'm from NSW mid north coast and it isn't as common/popular as up top north of aus and the termites are different I tried to pick a didj myself but the termites eat the tree in a different way. so therefore no one picks or sells didj's and has to either buy them from other places and make fake ones etc. this creates a high demand market and people are keen to make a quick dollar.they just don't care. |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
I am outraged as our people have spent thousands of years refining this instrument only to receive little to no credit for it. |
Anonymous |
No |
I don't think it is fair on the Aboriginal people as they were their creators of this fantastic musical instrument. I think that they should be given something. |
Anonymous |
No |
I think that the Aboriginal people whose instrument this is should receive as much of the benefits possible from the sale of didges. |
Anonymous |
No |
Not fair |
Michael Spring from USA |
No |
It makes me sad and reminds me again of the colonial treatment of First Citizens all over the world |
Anonymous from Switzerland |
No |
I fell that it is a real rip off that the Aboriginal do not make any money on 90% of the Didgeridoos. |
Anonymous from United Kingdom |
No |
I find it hard to believe but not surprised. Exploitation is rife. |
Mike from USA |
No |
I think that as long as those making and selling the Didj are forthcoming about whether or not they're Aboriginal then it's OK. don't sell a Didj and claim it's aboriginal made if you're not. |
Mike from Canada |
No |
I feel that the sale of didgeridoos that are being labeled as authentic when they are not is cultural theft and am disappointed that things like this continue in this day an age. However I have no problems with people of other cultures producing and selling didgeridoos so long as they are not sold as authentic didgeridoos. |
Mitch Minor from USA |
No |
I think it is wrong. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
They are commercializing a cultural expression into something meaningless by ignoring the history and the peoples that it comes from. the didgeridoos is much more than an instrument - it is a sign and symbol of the lives and evolutions of the people behind it |
Neil Nelson from South Africa |
No |
It is unfair as they were the inventors of this great instrument and should get the credit they deserve for what they achieved |
Pamela from USA |
No |
In this day and age I think it is alright that it is not being made by Aboriginal people as I would be afraid that it could turn into sweat labor but I would fully support a portion of the proceeds to make their way back to supporting Aboriginal people. We can not forget our roots and the contact with the earth. They are a way of remembering that. |
Pat Terson from United Kingdom |
No |
Wrong |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
Unfortunately this is business as usual. I'd do a Marxist rant but communism does not work either. Trying to inform the public makes sense but biggest factor is probably cost - well-made wooden genuine Australian didge simply very expensive - certainly out of my reach. Found plastic didgeridoos that are apparently well-made but really I prefer wood. |
Paulo Gomes from Portugal |
No |
Didgeridoos is a extraordinary instrument with a magnificent sound. when I'm playing I close my eyes and I feel like I'm in paradise and I can stay almost a day doing it. Is an excellent anti-stress tool and give me a great pleasure. I simply love it. |
Anonymous from Spain |
No |
More information will help and avoid misunderstanding between the buyers like me. |
Anonymous |
No |
It doesn't surprise me in today's world but it is theft. |
Anonymous |
No |
Deplorable |
Philip from United Kingdom |
No |
I feel they should be sold to everyone but only Aboriginal people should make them. |
Anonymous from Switzerland |
No |
I do not feel that Aboriginal people should have the exclusivity of making didgeridoos |
Anonymous from Canada |
No |
I think that it is important to know what you buy so that you don't involuntarily participate to something you morally disagree with. |
Rebekah from USA |
No |
I think it's not just a loss to the Aborigines but also to the people making these purchases... |
Rod from USA |
No |
This is a big rip off of the people that want the real thing. |
Ron from USA |
No |
It's sad that other people are appropriating Aboriginal traditions for their own profit without any thought to the Aboriginal people. |
Rui from Portugal |
No |
I feel very sad because that is an ancient art passed by generations. think that should have respect for others culture and our forests besides playing did I think it has to be played with sentiment. and understanding of the history of the instrument. |
Ryan Alderfer from USA |
No |
It sucks for the aboriginal people because much like the Native Americans the white man moves in their land and the white man steals their ideas tools instruments etc and takes all the profit for it. It is not right not right at all. |
Anonymous |
No |
I think that this is wrong. aboriginal people should be given royalties for something that is almost a representation of them overseas and around australia. not only that but the original aboriginals did make and design the didj |
Seppe from Belgium |
No |
Not good |
Stephan from Germany |
No |
Another fake. |
Anonymous |
No |
I believe that it is not a fair business tool for people who do not know much about the making of the didjeridu. |
Trond from Norway |
No |
I find it exploiting the native culture of the aborigines in typical capitalist fashion. I don't mind didjes being made by other people than aborigines using local types of wood and such but not using an aboriginal "stamp of approval" by selling didjes as original didjes without contributing to their culture in any way. Poor ethics. |
Anonymous |
No |
I'm quite unsettled to learn this. |
Uwe Naeger from Australia |
No |
Very sad indeed I'm a collector of Aboriginal art and value the authenticity history and workmanship that go into such items greatly. |
Virginia from USA |
No |
I'm not sure if I believe that a portion of proceeds from all didj productions should go to the aboriginal people but I do think that those purveying didgeridoos should take pains to educate the public about the history and culture of the aboriginal people in addition to selling their product. |
William from USA |
No |
That isn't even funny. I can't believe that a portion of sales isn't returned to some sort of non-profit organization for aboriginal people. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
First it makes me think that aboriginal people think they should be entitled to more sales revenue. Second I bet Aboriginal people make the best didjes! Many people like didjes without knowing that they originate from Aboriginal people. Do you know where guitars originate from? |
