Name and Country |
Did you know ... sold without stating that fact? |
Did you know ... sold by deceiving customers? |
What do you think or feel about these issue that almost all didgeridoos not made by Aboriginal
people are sold without clearly stating this fact?
What do you think or feel about these issue that many didgeridoos not made by Aboriginal people are sold using Aboriginal cultural
images or are even sold by deceiving the customer into believing they were made by Aboriginal people? |
Adam from USA |
No |
No |
It's not honest |
Alan Goodman from United Kingdom |
No |
No |
If something is sold as aboriginal then it really must mean this anything else is just fraud and every effort should be made
to stop this |
Allan from USA |
Yes |
No |
I hate this! |
Allex from Netherlands |
Yes |
No |
Its deceptive if you sell sell it in honest. |
Anonymous from Spain |
Yes |
No |
I don't want to buy this kind of didj |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
That is deceitful. I don't know if Australia has laws about truth in advertising or something that would apply to it but if
so those people should be prosecuted. |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
Again. It is false advertisement and it's morally and ethically wrong. They should have strict laws against this practice
and aboriginal people should be paid royalties |
Anonymous from Australia |
No |
No |
Pissed off |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
I think Aboriginal culture is being robbed |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
I believe that this deceptive. It should be clearly stated whether or not a didj is made by Aboriginal people. |
Bart from USA |
Yes |
No |
I think the most viable approach is education. I don't see it as practical to try to regulate through devices similar to trade-mark/copyright
unless individuals or "tribes" could do so with "original" images which would have to be more than just "a
kangaroo" or "an echidna". |
Ben Moule from United Kingdom |
Yes |
No |
It is appalling how the aboriginal culture of australia is plundered and that the profits made are not returned to the owners
and inheritors of this culture |
Bill Connon from United Kingdom |
No |
No |
Again it's not good news. Cultural images could be used for the wrong purposes and may well be completely out of place on
a didge. |
Bill from USA |
Yes |
No |
Same as above. |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
Bogus |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
If this is true the vendors are violating "truth in advertising". |
Brady from USA |
No |
No |
I think that is wrong |
Brendan from Spain |
Yes |
No |
I think its ridiculous not just that they are doing this but that they are getting away with this. For first it is false advertising.
Secondly the customer is getting a product that is not exactly what they wanted nor will it meet the standards of the musical
or spiritual level that real Aboriginal didgeridoos provide. |
Brett from Australia |
No |
No |
I think it should be clearly stated how and where they where made. I certainly made an effort to buy a didjeridoo that was
original and had the correct details on it |
Anonymous from Australia |
Yes |
No |
Bad to their custom and true artists |
Bruce Mills from USA |
No |
No |
Sadly that again is just a fact of life in the world today. In an expanding world economy things like this will just continue
to get worse before they start getting better. Expanding public awareness of this situation (what you're now doing) can help
the situation somewhat. |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
Didges not made by Aboriginal Persons should be labeled as such |
Burket from USA |
No |
No |
It's a difficult issue. Didjes should be available for all to play but they should also play tribute to the Aboriginal culture. |
Burt Griswold from USA |
No |
No |
That's pretty bad but not surprising now that I know that's the situation. I am not cynical but we see the same thing elsewhere.
I wouldn't want a didgeridoo if it was not made by Aboriginal people and would feel the same way about being sold a phony one
as being ripped off for thing else. |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
One should not believe that all didgeridoos are made by the Aboriginal but deceiving will always be immoral. Culture images
are fine pending this is clearly acknowledged |
Carlos from Portugal |
Yes |
No |
I think that's just awful. Those sellers are people that have no respect for the aboriginal tradition no respect for the didgeridoo
and no respect to other persons they only respect the money incoming. For me that's just awful and shows no respect. |
Carlos from Chile |
Yes |
No |
Is not right |
Charles from USA |
Yes |
No |
Well I think that its abuse of the aboriginal heritage and culture and religion |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
I am surprised by the lack of ethics and regard to a talented and special group of people. There should be higher standards
in the selling and making of these high quality instruments. |
Corey from Canada |
Yes |
No |
These are troubling facts. I would certainly want to know who the real maker of the didgeridoo is. If it is a quality instrument
does it really matter if I believe that it is made by an aboriginal? If it is quality I would imagine that the maker would have
learned from an aboriginal. |
Cory from Canada |
Yes |
No |
People will do anything to make a "buck" off of consumers/customers. I've been to China the land of complete and
convincing rip-offs. |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
I believe that honesty is always best and a distributor should represent there product truthfully. In that case I have found
it very difficult to identify a true Aboriginal Didj from its homeland of the the Northern Territory and am fearful of obtaining
one that is not. I have tried to educate myself and will continue to so that I can do my best to get a good musical instrument
with ancestral history behind the makers. This is not only something I want to proudly display in my home but want to pick it
up and play it as well and know the sound is of good quality with an Aboriginal past. |
Dale from USA |
Yes |
No |
Very unfair |
Daniel from USA |
No |
No |
Well I feel its ok because its natural business advertising. I feel it should be stated that they are not made by aboriginal
people. upon review it was not stated that they were created by aboriginal people therefore it is not false advertising. |
David from Australia |
No |
No |
I suspected this. We need data relating to who is buying these didges (where from and for what purpose). It may also help
to find out where these didges are being sold ie: tourist destinations |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
Sad |
Donna from USA |
Yes |
No |
It's not right |
Doug from USA |
No |
No |
Assuming the above statements are indeed true I think it is reprehensible that people do such a thing. But I have no way to
verify the truthfulness of a dishonest merchant or for that matter your statements. |
Douglas Michon from USA |
Yes |
No |
Typical business practices unfortunately. |
Douglas from USA |
No |
No |
Sounds like fraud or at least a cynical cash grab. Not what I would want in company I deal with. |
Elias Mena from Spain |
No |
No |
The truth does not seem to me correct. people must be informed into these things!! |
Elizabeth from USA |
Yes |
No |
I think it should be against the law as misrepresentation. |
Eric from USA |
Yes |
No |
That is wrong. Only true aboriginal artists should be able to sell their wonderful instruments as their own. Everyone else
should not be able to pass their work off as aboriginal. |
Ernesto from Italy |
No |
No |
Like I said before its not fair and if u told false things to people it's VERY UNFAIR |
Ethan Peters from USA |
Yes |
No |
I do not know how they sleep at night. It is a scam for money which is disgusting to say the least. Let the Aborigines be
Aborigines let the rest learn respect and value these beliefs art culture and history |
Filip Micoletti from Denmark |
Yes |
No |
Well the basic problem for me is always the same the people r not able to love themselves and the consequence is that they
r not able to love other |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
In my opinion this phenomenon can't be resolve unfortunately |
Gary from Australia |
Yes |
No |
Should be stated not made by aboriginal people. Deception about origin of didj is not acceptable |
Gary from Canada |
Yes |
No |
I don't mind non-Aboriginal people creating artwork for a didgeridoo but it should be stated that this is a non-Aboriginal
artist. |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
Again I believe this is wrong; a proper body should be in place to ensure the authenticity of such products and not give these
con men free reign over deceiving the purchaser. While it is ok for people to put whatever designs on didgeridoos that they want
it should not be allowed that they pass it off as authentic Aboriginal art when it clearly is not. |
Anonymous from Canada |
Yes |
No |
I feel that deceiving people about the origin of the instrument is wrong and does a disservice to true Aboriginal artisans
as well as the customer. If on the other hand the product is sold as something inspired by or in the style of Aboriginal art
I do not have a problem with it. |
Gregg from France |
No |
No |
It s scandalous. it is necessary that this changes. Money makes make many poor things. |
Hans from South Africa |
No |
No |
It is sad to think that people would sell fake didgeridoos as the real thing. I believe that fakes should be clearly marked
and sold as imitations. |
Herb from USA |
No |
No |
It is unfortunate because the instrument is supposed to be an authentic part of a cultural art. |
Igor Cvilak from Slovenia |
Yes |
No |
All designs belongs to their owners but if there is a painter who likes the style doted painting etc. it can try to do the
art work by him self. no design copy!!! |
Irek from Poland |
Yes |
No |
Because I'm aware of the fact mentioned above I always try to support true aboriginal culture sharing ann spreading and sharing
my knowledge about didgeridoos and aboriginal culture everywhere I can. I always tell people to check more then twice to be completely
sure the buy original product and that the money would go to the right person. |
Ivana from Croatia/Hrvatska |
No |
No |
They should state that fact or sponsor Aboriginal culture |
Anonymous from Finland |
Yes |
No |
That's because of the customer's own unawareness. |
Jason Eddy from USA |
Yes |
No |
It's wrong and I consider it stealing |
Jay Holden from USA |
No |
No |
I think it is an infringement on the culture of the Aboriginal people to make this instrument using Aboriginal symbols and
markings. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
Deceiving the customer about the product is wrong also making fake copies is just that a fake we as customers should be policing
our selves if we only buy real products from the real source there will be no problem |
Jim Oltersdorf from USA |
Yes |
No |
B.S. Tell it like it is. If made by them tell it if not tell that too. |
Jo from USA |
No |
No |
It's fraud at best. Not a good thing. I would be really upset to find out that one I purchases was not genuine in these respects. |
Joel Snodgrass from USA |
No |
No |
False advertising sucks donkey balls |
Joey from USA |
Yes |
No |
It is cultural identity theft! |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
This seems ignorant and disrespectful. |
John Rogers from Australia |
Yes |
No |
It is a sad state of contemporary Australia |
Joshua from USA |
Yes |
No |
Now that you ask that question I feel cheated almost b/c after I had bought 2 of my 3 didges from websites I soon found out
that they were not real didges. And like I said that's not authentic and that mean that the quality of the product is rendered
in a way and I love great product made from real people in real places and that's not made from a mould or a lathe I want something
that was hand picked from somebody that has an eye for great things and then to put there heart and soul into and when that is
done it actually comes out in the product and that's a beautiful thing. Nothing is better than a didge made from a real aborigine.
And even though there is nothing really you can do about it I do feel that the customer should be better informed. Because I
have been on that side and it does not feel good to be jipped by someone who is selling fake product. |
Jouni from Finland |
No |
No |
That is wrong and unfair |
Justin from United Kingdom |
Yes |
No |
Welcome to the western world |
Justin Gifford from USA |
Yes |
No |
Using an ethnic group as an advertising scheme is wrong no matter what the venue but as far as using cultural imagery (marketed
honestly that is) I see no problem. For example I am a practitioner of martial arts but it would be prohibitive for me to purchase
a traditionally made sword. Only those with real dedication to the art will set aside that kind of money and even then many are
unable to. By that token however even if didgeridoos were only popular in really dedicated circles I doubt sales of authentic
didges would increase; rather sales of spurious ones would simply decrease. It's up to the consumer to do the research and it's
up to the businessman to provide the consumer with a means to do what's right. |
Karl from USA |
No |
No |
I feel that this is wrong.... but this is not the only case you see this... I see it all the time when I go to stores and
people are selling something of the native american tribe... witch as you state are not even from an actual tribe... and that's
how it is in this generation... people buy things and sell things strictly because it "looks cool" or so they can just
get money... they have give no respect or appreciation for the actual history of the didj. if a manufacturer is gonna produce
didjes.. I believe they should give there respects to the tribe.. and not deceive the buyers.. |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
We found that in Cairns there were several shops selling fakes and found it astonishing that native peoples culture was being
ripped off. |
Anonymous from USA |
Yes |
No |
Like I say we need to educate! You can't copyright a cultural image at least not that I'm aware of... And I don't think that
they should. However it's important to not deceive people into thinking they're getting quality traditional artwork when they
are simply getting a cheap copy. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
Once again...well that's basically robbing a culture isn't it? |
Kerrick from USA |
No |
No |
That's really sad they should be getting credit for their culture |
Kirsty from Australia |
No |
No |
Some type of labelling system should be developed and enforced under international trade law. |
Lavinia from Australia |
No |
No |
Again isn't this theft? Like I said above. I had never considered this and it never entered my mind as it being an issue.
Turns out that my ignorance regarding has paid good money to bad people. I feel cheated as a consumer and disgusted that authentic
artists have lost much needed sales and money. |
Leslie from United Kingdom |
Yes |
No |
Typical frauds which get glossed over as "perfectly legitimate business"... given a choice I would prefer to fly
to Australia and buy a didge directly from an Aboriginal craftsman/woman and put ALL the money directly in their hand/s. |
Anonymous from Japan |
Yes |
No |
Wrong. 'nuff said. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
Seems wrong but not surprising |
Luke Toms from United Kingdom |
Yes |
No |
Yes I do believe it because it happened to me. I believe people should be informed about these issues and that the Australian
government should introduce some kind of certification and 'patent' almost for their native people's traditions and art. |
Luz from Italy |
Yes |
No |
Same as above |
Madonna Gauding from USA |
No |
No |
I feel that those who sell didgeridoos claiming that they are made by Aboriginal people when they are not does a great disservice
to the Aboriginal people. The use of Aboriginal cultural images is not acceptable if it is claimed that they are painted by Aboriginal
people. I believe in authenticity and in honouring the ancient people and their traditions. If an instrument is not authentic
and is painted by a non Aboriginal it should be stated by the seller. When I buy a didgeridoo it will be an authentic Aboriginal
instrument. I also believe in honesty in business transactions. Deceiving people into believing they are buying an authentic
instrument painted by Aboriginals also generates bad karma and is in effect robbing people of their hard earned money. |
Marek from Poland |
No |
No |
As a scientist I exactly know what do the property rights mean and I feel sorry again if the information provided by sellers
are misleading. I have bought my first didgeridoos from a local "producer" who didn't hide that fact. Moreover his
enthusiasm to the instrument and didgeridoo music made me fascinated with it and with the Aboriginal culture. Regarding paintings:
At the present I have 5 "local didgeridoos" but none of them has any paintings. This is somewhat symbolic to me. I
had the feeling that it would be pretending something. I didn't need that. The music is fantastic as it is. However if I buy
my first original Aboriginal didgeridoo I'll buy one with the Aboriginal painting. |
Marie Halle from Canada |
No |
No |
Its very wrong |
Mario Di Giulio from Italy |
Yes |
No |
I hate this fact |
Mark Galvin from USA |
No |
No |
I think the government of Australia should enact legislation protecting the Aboriginal peoples and the cultural heritage from
exploitation. |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
Karma |
Marty from Australia |
Yes |
No |
As above this must be implemented A.S.A.P. |
Mike Harges from USA |
Yes |
No |
It is wrong and a falsehood |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
If the quality of the instrument is still the same I think it's okay. But they should be from Australia is my opinion. Most
articles in Australia are made in China I think it is a bad thing! |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
Again its sad and pathetic that people would lie like that |
Neil from Australia |
Yes |
No |
Once again it is poor and a bit of a rip off of great cultural items. |
Olivier from France |
Yes |
No |
This shows the exploitation of this people and abuse of their culture. |
Pat from USA |
Yes |
No |
I am a strong believer that a product should represent itself appropriately not matter what it is. Deception is a terrible
way to run a business. |
Paul from United Kingdom |
Yes |
No |
Devaluing the culture of the aboriginals Reducing the aboriginals opportunity for income from their heritage |
Anonymous from United Kingdom |
Yes |
No |
It's not an ideal situation but as long as people get a respect for the instrument and an appreciation of the culture at the
end of the day. Unfortunately you have Scottish bagpipes made in Pakistan and Welsh flags made in China so there's very little
that can be done apart from a registered glyph or trade mark that guarantees that it is made by Aboriginal people. |
Anonymous from Portugal |
No |
No |
It is almost a crime doing that using the aboriginal image to sell rubbish! |
Anonymous from Belgium |
Yes |
No |
This people are abused... |
Petra from USA |
No |
No |
Much like a lot of the asian-made "native american artifacts" pawned off on the US public. Disgusts me. |
Rob Boyd from Australia |
No |
No |
On the first issue refer to my above comment. On the second I believe that a person in the market for a didgeridoo should
research the product and ensure that it is the genuine article. |
Rob from Netherlands |
Yes |
No |
Its not fair because we make profit and its became in the wrong pocket |
Robert Knott from United Kingdom |
No |
No |
Once again this does not surprise me but I feel this is a terrible continuation of the poor way in which aboriginal peoples
throughout the world are exploited |
Roy from Israel |
No |
No |
I think that once asked a non-aborigine didg-maker should explain it's origins. As to makers who do not they are downright
cheats. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
That's awful |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
I don't think that non-Aboriginal manufacturers should be allowed to use the Aboriginal symbology on their products. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
Pretty disappointed. They should have a right to patent their own images and instruments. |
Sequoia from Canada |
No |
No |
Karma will get those who lie. |
Stuart Harrison from United Kingdom |
Yes |
No |
Unhappy again! |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
I believe that anyone buying a high end didj should purchase the best quality. The best quality Didjes are made from the aboriginal
peoples. |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
There needs to be stringent measures ensuring that each didgeridoo is labelled with details of the artist. |
Tashi James from Australia |
Yes |
No |
As per answer above. Profit really should go toward the Indigenous community as well. |
Tiffany from USA |
No |
No |
I feel that the cultural images used should only be painted by actual aboriginal people. If not the selling of such items
should state the fact that it is not created by an aboriginal person. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
That seems like stealing |
Tim from USA |
Yes |
No |
I don't think the Aboriginal images should be used. Many if not all of the images are sacred and should not be toyed with. |
Tommy from New Zealand |
Yes |
No |
I don't like trickery or lies. |
Anonymous |
Yes |
No |
It sucks. |
Ugen Dorji from Bhutan |
Yes |
No |
Same as I said in the upper box |
Vincenzo Barletta from Italy |
No |
No |
I think that unfortunately this is not a new thing; it happens very often with many products. |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
The one I received as a gift from family claims to have been made by Aboriginal Peoples |
Wilfried from Germany |
No |
No |
See above |
Anonymous from USA |
No |
No |
Should be some kind of trademark protection |
Anonymous |
No |
No |
Stolen culture. |
Zack from USA |
Yes |
No |
I've reviewed other sites who claim to produce '100% authentic' didgeridoos only to be disappointed by the lies. I'm searching
for the opportunity to play a true piece of art not a machine made novelty instrument. |
