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 Vitti from USA |
No |
I think it is unfair and I would feel ripped off if I bought one. |
Anonymous |
No |
I believe that it is downright wrong to take advantage of a culture's unique traditions and lack of access to the wider business world in order to make money. It is stealing to use someone else's cultural traditions in order to make money. In many countries the people that the tourism industry thrives on are the ones who are working difficult and very poorly paying jobs while immigrants moved in and took over borrowing native culture in order to make money. I refuse to wear or buy diamonds for this very reason and I also refuse to buy a Didge made by an Aborigine who is not being paid fairly for his art or by a person who is not of Aboriginal descent. |
Amanda from United Kingdom |
No |
Pretty disgusted |
Anonymous |
No |
Great |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
It's crap. |
April from USA |
No |
Though the traditional Aboriginal people don't have a concept of owning (therefore selling) modern times require that they be compensated for their native craft - not some other company replicating Aboriginal sacred images. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
I think it is a sad situation for the Aboriginal people of Australia. They truly are the forgotten people not only in Australia but of the world. Having such deep roots in Australia and such an incredibly long and vastly unknown history I think it's sad that commercialism and mass production has made it so something that originated with a specific culture has been taken away from them. |
Anonymous |
No |
I don't like this |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
Disappointed but not surprised. Much like any other culture around the world the Aborigine have had others either for profit ignorance or maliciousness undermine and attempt to diminish their culture. |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
It is Okay but I would have preferred a genuine hand made didj by an aboriginal person |
Benoit Begin from Canada |
No |
Its really bad |
Brad from USA |
No |
That's wrong! They should get their share. |
Anonymous from Thailand |
No |
Initially it's wrong to make money off a foreign culture through exploitation of its symbols and effects. |
Brett from Australia |
No |
It's abhorrent. It's just another way in which a capitalistic love of money has torn a part of a people's culture away from them and literally raped it all in the name of a quick buck. |
Brian Phillips from USA |
No |
That means that 10% are. Compared to the same statistic of african drums such as djembes I think 10% is pretty high. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
Inferior marketing |
Bryan from USA |
No |
I feel like some people are cashing in on other peoples' work. If I learn to play a didgeridoo properly I plan on buying a nice didgeridoo and I would like to get an authentic one. |
Carlos from Spain |
No |
Well is really a **** shit. The didgeridoos are an aboriginal instrument they should be make and sold by them because they've mastered the didgeridoo making and playing art during centuries. |
Casey from USA |
No |
Unfortunate and that situation should be improved. I don't think that the sales of synthetic didgeridoos should be tied to aboriginals simply because those are the result of various other craftsmen but there should be regulations on the sale of authentic aboriginal made didgeridoos. |
Cathy Chadwick Ciccone from USA |
No |
I knew the statistics were high. but this is really appalling! |
Anonymous from Spain |
No |
I feel really bad for that. that should finish. |
Clayton from USA |
No |
I was aware of this and this is why I was very happy to find your site and find that the didjes you offer are made by and painted by Aboriginal people. |
Connie from USA |
No |
I feel that it is important to the aboriginal people and their culture that they benefit from the exporting of their traditions |
Cristian Bouniot from Chile |
No |
I think that a percentage of that money should be used to help to aboriginal people |
Dan from Australia |
No |
I believe that is wrong money should at least be given to aboriginal people |
Daniel from Canada |
No |
I find it rather depressing that people would do such a thing. |
Darin from USA |
No |
I think it is unfortunate but unavoidable if the instrument is to be accessible and affordable to a broader audience. |
Daryl from USA |
No |
It is a shame that a traditional art is being exploited in such a way. I will do my buying from the originators of this art form. |
Anonymous |
No |
It is so bad I think that The Aboriginals must be the unique didje makers. The didjes must be Originals from Australia and must have the Magic of the aboriginal arts. |
David from United Kingdom |
No |
Personally I feel that this was bound to happen. As the didgeridoo gained more buyers it was obvious that at one point a company would come in and offer cheap alternatives to the real products. Also it would be most unlikely that the Aboriginal people would gain from this as usually companies or people are going to think only of their own profits and them selves. |
Des Holmes from United Kingdom |
No |
Completely unjust the money could go to treating the problems of education and alcohol abuse where it is an issue. |
Dominick Messina from USA |
No |
I'm not 100% sue how I feel about this I'm just glad that everyone in the world has an opportunity to experience the didgeridoo. |
Dylan from USA |
No |
It is a shame that people spend a lot of money on such a unique instrument but it is not even a real one it is a knock off |
Erik from Slovakia |
No |
As I don't believe in patent rights it think its ok. didge for everybody. |
Fabian from Portugal |
No |
I didn't knew this in fact and I think that aboriginal Didgeridoos must be the best ones but there are also non-aboriginal people who make amazing didges. I think that the sold didges should not be presented as aboriginal made if the are not.but if they are the money should return to the aboriginal people |
Florent from France |
No |
It's a shame |
Frank from USA |
No |
I occasionally make French Toast yet I don't send any money to France. |
Gail from USA |
No |
I think the Aboriginal people should receive money from these sales and that these places should not be allowed to say their products are Aboriginally made. |
Gary Lister from United Kingdom |
No |
Do the Aboriginal people have a problem with this? its just business. |
Gary Ross from USA |
No |
Since I have met Aboriginals and know what a tough time they have had and basically they were unrecognised for years. This is the same as Klamath Tribes I grew up with. Australia was Aboriginal before Captain Cook or anyone else and they should get profits for all Australian exported didges. They respect the land and can manage the harvest of the trees. Other didges from other countries strip the forests and if that continues planet earth is deeper into trouble. Besides I have a native made boomerang that is superior in design to any manufactured item and you cannot beat the Aboriginal craftsmanship. |
Geert Roelants from Belgium |
No |
Justice should be done to the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people. |
Anonymous |
No |
Its a pity |
Gregory White from Canada |
No |
Surprised and disappointed. |
Jake Hoyne from USA |
No |
I think that this disrespects the Aboriginal culture and the rich history of the didgeridoo. |
Jake Richman from USA |
No |
From a cultural appreciative standpoint I disagree with the disregard for the tradition and the culture that surround these awesome instruments and the tribal sources from where they originated. If the public is going to enjoy a bit of their culture we should at least pay homage to them. Looking from an economic view though I find that if venders didn't support the mass production of the instrument and the rip-off sales then we would have no venders at all. without those venders the effect of the didj playing world would dramatically shift because internationally we would have limited or absolutely no access to them. |
James from USA |
No |
As both an artist and person concerned with equality it horrifies me. |
Anonymous |
No |
Sad but not surprising |
Jan from Netherlands |
No |
Its a shame. Buy only real aboriginal didges. |
Jason from USA |
No |
It's dependent on the community. as a student of indigenous and endangered languages I have similar feelings on all topics concerning a people's identity. the specific community involved should always have the primary voice in how and if aspects of their culture are shared. as long as the community has the knowledge that this part of their culture is being reproduced outside of the community and has not asked for royalties then I see no problem. otherwise if the community has not been consulted or does not condone such actions then it is necessary to gain such permission or cease what is exploitation of their culture. |
Anonymous |
No |
I don't care about didgeridoos made of PVC or made of teck. I think he problem come from Didgeridoos sold as traditional and made by people who copy and steal only to make money |
Jef. from Australia |
No |
This makes a mockery of the art and history of the didgeridoo and does not recognise the plight of or respect indigenous Australians. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
People need to know that fact! |
Anonymous |
No |
Too bad. Ignorance is a poor excuse. |
João from Portugal |
No |
I think this is happening everywhere with everything and we can't stop it! |
Johan Blanckaert from Belgium |
No |
African products are more and more showing an "Ethic buy" label meaning that the producer is correctly paid for his job. This could apply too to didgeridoo's |
Anonymous from Portugal |
No |
I think that this is completely unfair because we owe the existence of the didgeridoos to the aboriginal people. |
Josef from New Zealand |
No |
Greed |
Anonymous |
No |
It's pretty typical of people to take advantage of others in this way. In a way that does not consider the originators at all. It's all about money. Hopefully a time will come when this part of human nature may change for most of humanity but for now things are the way they are. For my part... I purchased one from this store when I was 16 yrs old. |
Anonymous |
No |
I think it's a shame if the vendors/makers of these didjeridus are making/selling them as authentic aboriginal instruments when they're not. but I think it's a shame when anyone lies about anything. on the flip side it goes to show how many non aboriginal people have an interest in the didje and it's nice to see all the forms the dream is taking on... PS one way to tell if a didjeridu didgeridoo didjeridoo is authentic is that it wont be called by the very name the british imperialists called it instead of learning by the aborigine... |
Juli from Australia |
No |
That it is bad for the aboriginal community and money from the sales should be givin to to rightful owners. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
It is not fair the people deserve what is theirs. |
Kathleen from USA |
No |
Not sure |
Keith from Italy |
No |
I think it's unfortunate and unfair to both the people who buy them thinking they are authentic and even more so to the Aboriginal people. |
Keith Story from USA |
No |
It is great that the instrument and ideology is spreading but the fact that little proceeds are directed back to the Aboriginal people is definitely disconcerting. The production of the instrument should remain in the hands of the aboriginal people; competition from imitators is a direct attack on the aboriginal economy. |
Kelley Smith from USA |
No |
It is sad. |
Ken Broeckel from USA |
No |
Tragic and not right as this is your heritage. |
Kermit Crissey from USA |
No |
Not right |
Kirsty from Australia |
No |
I think that is dreadful we have to support local artists not rip them off. Original work is beautiful unique and full of spirit. |
Kyle from Australia |
No |
I believe that every single didgeridoo that is sold or made should clearly state who it was made and/or decorated by and where and which material it was made from. If an Aboriginal person had ANYTHING to do with the making/supply of material/decoration etc of that single didgeridoo that person should be clearly acknowledged and receive some money from the sale of that didgeridoo. |
Anonymous |
No |
Considerations should be made to the people who originated this unique instrument. |
Lasse from Denmark |
No |
Bad |
Anonymous |
No |
It really detracts from the experience. I feel that the essence of the didge is the tradition and history within it and I believe that if that isn't in tact then perhaps the quality of the experience is tarnished. I understand that it would be ridiculous to only ask for instruments made by Aboriginals but it is still desired. |
Lori from USA |
No |
I think it's unfair that people exploit another culture and profit from this without doing something in return to benefit those they have exploited. The aboriginal people should have the exclusive right to make and sell didgeridoos. In the US we had similar issues with the pottery and other crafts of the native tribes. A law was passed that no one may sell any items as "Native American" unless they are created by the tribal members. |
Anonymous from Peru |
No |
For sure we have to be grateful to the aboriginal people for the dream of didgeridoo playing and show respect for their legacy... I think that the didgeridoo is now part of our universal knowledge as mankind... and for some people (like me) to get the chance to enjoy the magical sound of the didgeridoos their legacy had to be share to reach this part of earth |
Manuel García Fernández from Spain |
No |
I am kinda surprised because usually these are the people who know best the secrets on making a perfect instrument. |
Manuel Verducci from Italy |
No |
This is our robber's world. this is the trade philosophy in past century too..so we should change the world or We can try to rob the world to robbers! |
Anonymous |
No |
I think that is terrible people use scams to benefit themselves and forget about the REAL PEOPLE WHO STRUGGLED AND DONE HARD WORK MAKING THINGS AND NEVER BE ACKNOWLAGED FOR THEIR WORK AND EFFORT!!I think the Aboriginal people should get paid every cent from things being sold I think it's a damn sham what is being done and I hope It'll be made right!! |
Mariano from Argentina |
No |
It must be controlled by any government institution.It's sad. |
Marius Monsø from Norway |
No |
Its ok as long everyone know where the didj is from and respect the Aboriginal instrument and people. And its even better if they send a little money back to the Aboriginal culture |
Marjory from USA |
No |
There needs to be more attention brought to Cultural Artists. People who collect anything need to have information so they know when they purchase an item it is authentic and the money will get to the artist and his/her community. |
Mark Jones from Australia |
No |
If its not made by aboriginal people its not an authentic didj |
Mark from USA |
No |
It's unfortunate and should be changed. |
Mark from USA |
No |
It makes me feel sad! |
Massimo Maddaloni from Italy |
No |
I can live with that. It's called "the global market" |
Matt from USA |
No |
I think that I would buy aboriginal didjes if I could find them. however some non aboriginal didjes are much less expensive than aboriginal and are more cost effective for learners. |
Matt from USA |
No |
Well its wrong but I would hope those who play the didge would know better than to buy them from somewhere else |
Matthew Coplan from Italy |
No |
I feel its a shame that Aboriginal art and culture continue to be stolen however there is a large opportunity for people to learn of past injustices and participate in reconciliation through at the very least purchasing authentic Aboriginal made products. |
Matthias Casagrande from France |
No |
I just regret this statement but if people could only afford true genuine aboriginal didge the Didgeridoo would not be as popular as it is today; so in a certain way it probably makes people conscious and more sensitive to the aboriginal culture. Plus when you're getting the more and more involved in playing the didgeridoo you know that THE Sound comes from Aboriginal's Savoir Faire and that your proper evolution need you to understand this. Capitalism is 1000 years old Aboriginal culture is far more. Capitalism's getting autodestruct by itself Aboriginal's culture not. |
Anonymous from Argentina |
No |
It's terrible. |
Michael from United Kingdom |
No |
I feel that some people if they can take advantage of a situation especially if it concerns money will do so and not think twice about what it right. Money is stuck to far in their minds to realize the truth. |
Michael from Canada |
No |
Unfair |
Michael Rivoire from France |
No |
There is currently no certification process available all over the world to assess that a didjeridoo has been crafted by aboriginal people. The market is waiting for such a "legal" assessment to bring to the aboriginal artists recognition (and money...!) |
Michele from Italy |
No |
I am very angry of that and appreciate whenever I know about the existence of REAL Yindi craftsmanship |
Mikael from Denmark |
No |
I think the instrument is a great artform and I love to play so I couldn't say I disapprove since I've bought one myself that wasn't made by aborigine and it has opened up a new world that has set focus on the Aboriginal people. |
Mike Mcgeehan from USA |
No |
I think it is culturally incorrect to do and then sell these. |
Mike Nielsen from USA |
No |
I don't think non-Aboriginal should be prohibited from creating didgeridoos but that Aboriginal people who would want to establish their own business should get support in order to compete effectively. |
Anonymous |
No |
I think that's lame. iv been to south africa taking care of orphans and the poverty is so immense. It doesn't surprise me at all though |
Mike from Canada |
No |
It is a travesty. Although I did not buy my didge from you I did research it's origins to an aboriginal family who if not custodians are very close to it and carry the rights to make and sell them before I purchased. |
Anonymous from Italy |
No |
It is a bad problem |
Monica Mion from Italy |
No |
I think is wrong. original is better |
Anonymous |
No |
If someone wishes to sell didgeridoos I believe they have a right to do so. |
Anonymous |
No |
It's a shame |
Nicolas Fidalgo from Argentina |
No |
I feel bad because the aboriginal people are the right ones to do the work they more than anyone know how to do it. |
Anonymous |
No |
Not sure. |
Norm from USA |
No |
A percentage of all didge sales world wide should go to the Aboriginal people |
Pat from Australia |
No |
I feel that an awareness of the history and culture of an instrument is vital to be able to play with any passion understanding or conviction. This fact should be more widely known. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
I think it is unfair to imply that those didgeridoos are authentic. Certainly "authentic" didgeridoos would command higher prices and would be valued more for aesthetic reasons |
Paul from USA |
No |
I think it is a shame that people of such integrity are continually taken advantage of by cultural vampires. |
Paul from Australia |
No |
Terrible Keep it in our own backyard... didges are a unique part of our aboriginal Culture it upsets me that there are people making money from exploiting this traditional musical instrument. |
Peter from Ireland |
No |
Very wrong. |
Phil from Australia |
No |
In melbourne we don't have many yidaki makers its an appalling to think that our beautiful heritage is not receiving the respect that it truly deserves. I made sure my yidaki was authentically made. |
Anonymous |
No |
Yes its ok cos not all aboriginals use the didgeridoo but most cultures do to. |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
It stinks |
Anonymous |
No |
I feel that is unfair and good to know. |
Rick from USA |
No |
Indifferent. |
Rod from USA |
No |
To be an authentic didj it would have to be made by an aboriginal who should be paid for his work. |
Anonymous |
No |
More money should be given back to the Aboriginal people who created the didjeridu. Also that genuine Aboriginal art should be priced higher. |
Russell Toohey from Australia |
No |
I think it is a tragedy- and reduces the very essence of the authenticity of this unique Indigenous Australian instrument |
Ryan from Canada |
No |
It's terrible how many people will capitalize on any group they think they can bully. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
If the aboriginal people are not affiliated with the company making the didgeridoos they should not benefit from those sales. |
Scot from USA |
No |
I want to contribute to the preservation of the originality of the Aboriginal arts. To study the making should be through the Aboriginal people with permission. |
Sean Cavanaugh from USA |
No |
It irritates me immensely as I am a very traditional type of person. |
Sergio from Portugal |
No |
I accept didgeridoos not being made by aboriginal people I's normal for other people around the world to make them. But de capitalistic world we live in takes advantage of everything and that is not acceptable... |
Sergio Ruiz from Mexico |
No |
That is to bad because I think what they feel in there soul and heart is transmitted to the Didjes sound and they are really artist. I hope we conserved our tradition in all over the world and learn and help this great peaceful and spiritual people. Let[s finish that and work together with all native culture all over the world |
Shaman Smith from USA |
No |
I do feel slightly bad about this fact however didgeridoos made by them normally cost a fair amount more than otherwise. this allows those who cannot afford them otherwise to own one |
Anonymous |
No |
I think that it is wrong and should be stopped immediately. |
Shaun from United Kingdom |
No |
Profiteering on the back of a culture that is one of the most amazing and unique in the world is a disgrace. This unique culture should be valued and preserved and businesses that works well within these communities to support them should be valued wholeheartedly |
Simha Bode from USA |
No |
I feel that it is a reflection of the way 'the few' who control the global market work. It isn't surprising at all yet it is alarming because when we don't give respect where it is due our moral values weaken and then our self worth goes and then our inner peace. |
Stefan Jung from Germany |
No |
I would not buy or support copied didges. All the interested people worldwide need more clarification about the fakes. |
Steven Mckone from USA |
No |
I think that aboriginals should get the money. they came up with the technology and spread it through the world |
Stuart Kirkpatrick from Bermuda |
No |
Aboriginal culture has to be preserved as do all ancient cultures the way to help is to invest in the people....legislate the sale of didges!! Trade mark the name!! |
Anonymous |
No |
I think this is sad. |
Sven from Germany |
No |
This is not correct. Worldwide we have this problem. Many minorities are ignored for the profit. Political systems are inapt to solve this problem because they are part of the system.... |
Anonymous from Israel |
No |
Modernization |
Tamir Gilad from Israel |
No |
As Long as the culture lives on its fine. who ever makes the finest Didjes should be paid. |
Thomas from USA |
No |
I think it is lame. I guess corporate thinking doesn't really give a shit though. |
Anonymous from United Kingdom |
No |
Not impressed sorry this is typical brit understatement meaning that I do not like this fact at all and the injustice of it makes me angry. |
Tyrell from USA |
No |
Well as a Native American I know what it feels like to have a non native steal some of our ways and culture and try to make it their own by adding there own twist. And no credit or approval is given by us. |
Ugur Koçak from Turkey |
No |
It's really sad and I feel like we steal their culture |
Anonymous from Belgium |
No |
Aboriginal people have to receive money when a didgeridoo has been sold |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
I hope the Aboriginal people recoup the market and subsequent sales. |
Wylliam Noel from Belgium |
No |
I don't agree with that because didgeridoos must be made by aboriginal people cause they are the only one who know about the art of making them and I really think that they put magical spirits in them and it's primordial to a didgeridoos to have good spiritual vibes. That's my way of thinking. |
Zain Griffiths from United Kingdom |
No |
Very Sad |
