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Did you know that almost all didgeridoos not made by Aboriginal people are sold without clearly stating this fact?

Did you know 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?

On this page you can read the answers our visitors gave to this question as part of our yearly visitor surveys, where you can win great prizes.
(we post comments only if permission was given)

Over the years we have asked our visitors many different questions and any of the below topics contain hundreds of comments from people all over the world. Enjoy reading what other people have to say on those subjects:-). If you have any question you would like us to ask our visitors, please let us know.

GENERAL DIDGERIDOO ISSUES

DIDGERIDOO AUTHENTICITY

DIDJSHOP COMMENTS

TRADITIONAL DIDGERIDOO PLAYING

EFFECTS OF DIDGERIDOO PLAYING & LISTENING

ABORIGINAL ISSUES

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 Perrett from Australia

Yes

No

Money is evil - it is not even a real substance yet it continues to govern the way people are.

Andrew from USA

Yes

No

The Aboriginals do not own these images rather they should be their gift to the world. Having said that their is no 'magic' in images that are not created by the source. The same goes for any indigenous art and culture.

Angie from USA

Yes

No

I don't trust most people in the first place so it is not surprising that unethical selling is happening and people are behaving without morals.

Bart Devos from Belgium

Yes

No

Same as mentioned above. I seriously regret this fact.

Ben from Australia

Yes

No

It makes me even more angry that people could sell what they call 'Authentic' didjes in that way not only is it false advertising its insulting to the Aboriginal people.

Ben from Australia

No

No

I find it disappointing that people would do that. and I am glad I have been alerted to those facts

Bjorn Weyenberg from Belgium

Yes

No

It's sade that people if the smell money that the destroyed the original things off the aboriginal's. I only want to buy a didge when I now that the didge will be original and made by the local people ( aboriginals ).

Bojan Selan from Slovenia

Yes

No

I hate commercial lies!

Brittany from USA

No

No

I think people that do not give out these facts are deceiving people just so they can make more money and charge a higher price for things. Money isn't the most important thing in the world and people who knowingly deceive others are being unfair. All information on the websites need to be clearly stated and buyers need to know and trust the vendor.

Anonymous from Canada

No

No

I am strongly opposed to this practice. If a didj is sold under the explicit or even implicit belief that it was made or painted by an Aboriginal person the Aboriginal people are being robbed of that income and someone else is getting rich off of that deception.

Carol from USA

Yes

No

Again it is the level of misrepresentation that is of concern to me. Artistic decoration is one thing but the misuse of cultural imagery can only be misleading and confusing in the long run. I think that there is a great opportunity here for education and development of cultural understanding and sensitivity. I think you've started going in the right direction but much more can be done. Thank you for your sincere efforts.

Carol from USA

No

No

Likely to ask questions in the future

Cathryn from USA

No

No

More power to them. lol

Charles from USA

Yes

No

This seems to be a trend that I do not like. I will buy a real Aboriginal and not a knock off.

Anonymous from Ireland

Yes

No

It is completely unethical and unfair to both the buyer and to the aboriginal people who invented this instrument and style of artwork that it is sold in this way.

Crystal from USA

Yes

No

The creators should be have the knowledge and the integrity to know what's right and what's wrong and falsifying the products history is doing no good for any ones cultures.

Curtis Burns from USA

Yes

No

The Aussie govt. needs to step up and control this.

Anonymous

Yes

No

Same as above

Dakota from USA

Yes

No

I think it is wrong and it is ripping off not only the people being deceived into buying them but also aboriginal people for putting out less then there quality of didj's.

Daniel from USA

Yes

No

I am ashamed to admit that I have bought a didgeridoo from a small shop that spoke nothing of the Aboriginal people. Only after I bought it (it was my first didj) did I find out the truth. To think that some didgeridoos are sold by deceiving the customer into believing they are made by the Aboriginal people is outrageous. If a customer is not buying an actual Australian Aborigine-made didj they should at least be told the truth and about the people that the instrument was derived from.

Anonymous

No

No

Just now learning about it.

Dennis from USA

Yes

No

I feel that all manufacturers be required to state the facts concerning the origin of each didge they sell.

Dick Passmore from Canada

No

No

As an artist I have worked with the artistic style of many peoples around the world. I would never consider misrepresenting myself as an Aboriginal person in order to make a profit. My wife's culture (Mohawk) is yet another that is traditionally used in mass produced items from developing nations. I am definitely not in favour of that.

Anonymous from USA

Yes

No

That's not right I think that they should at least mention if it is or isn't made by the Aboriginal people.

Anonymous

Yes

No

How should I feel? There is great injustice no matter where you look in the world. I can only buy from those I trust and this is the place

Anonymous

No

No

Great sadness

Francesco Aiello from Switzerland

Yes

No

I tell about Aboriginal People and her culture in my own little circle. Too much people are interested in our situation.

Francisco Javier from Spain

Yes

No

The same as I told before.but it is only to try to give 'em a seriously presence

Anonymous

No

No

I don't like the idea of buying from any shop

Gerard from Belgium

Yes

No

Equals theft.

Glenda Drummond from New Zealand

No

No

Once again I find that appalling. If I buy Aboriginal I expect Aboriginal made.

Grant Wilkinson from USA

Yes

No

I reiterate my previous comment that full disclosure is paramount. The culture and people from whom this instrument comes should be correctly represented for everyone to have an open and honest understanding.

Gwen from Australia

No

No

Not happy. Would only want genuine aboriginal item.

Anonymous from Germany

Yes

No

That is like the chinese way to copy everything for own better living

Harry Ford from Australia

Yes

No

The aborigine people have a reputation these days of being a bunch of drunks living on handouts.To a degree this is true. You must stop blaming the white man for his actions stop playing the victim role and take responsibility for yourselves. It would be wonderful to see the Aborigine people gain back your self respect and culture.

Helen from Australia

No

No

It makes me very sad that your people do not get the recognition that you all deserve it makes me wonder how many people have sold items for a huge profits by copying your works.

Anonymous

Yes

No

See above.

Ira Rosen from USA

No

No

Again I am not too surprised. I live in a tourist town with many gift/souvenir shops. Most of the items sold are not made by the local native people. Alaska has created the "Alaska Made" logo to clearly identify true native craft items. It is a crime to use this logo improperly.

Anonymous

No

No

Specific rules should be made about advertising in this way.

Jason from Canada

Yes

No

Its degrading to the aboriginals and its stealing from them

Anonymous

No

No

Nothing

Jeff Nelson from USA

Yes

No

Stealing someone's culture... Should be a crime.

Jerome from France

Yes

No

It is a shameless treachery against both customers and aboriginal people. There should be laws to protect aboriginal culture and permit them to allow who they think worth it to dispatch their products or image.

Jim from USA

No

No

It does not seem to be fair to the Aboriginal people.

João Marcelo Moreira from Brazil

Yes

No

People should start to be more conscious about stuff they are acquiring.

Anonymous from USA

No

No

They should copyright their designs. It' really not moral

Jocelyn from Canada

No

No

I have never been told this in my experience and I was well aware that the didgeridoos were not painted by Aboriginal people. I feel that if the public at large is to be made aware of the true value and artistry of authentic Aboriginal didgeridoos then it is up to the concerned distributor to promote this aggressively and extensively throughout the world. Otherwise the average consumer will not be made aware of this. I support this happening.

Anonymous

No

No

Not fair!

Anonymous from Australia

Yes

No

I'm disgusted that such didgeridoos are even permitted to be sold without clearly stating the fact that they're not Aboriginal-made. It's disrespectful for non-Aboriginal-made didgeridoos to carry Aboriginal cultural images; their non-Aboriginal makers wouldn't even know the meaning of the images or symbolism they are incorporating into their designs. All didgeridoos that are non-Aboriginal made must clearly state this fact.

Katie from Canada

No

No

Lying is something that is never acceptable in my eyes in any situation But I am an artist and when it comes to lying about another persons work it becomes even more insulting. The Aboriginal people should LEAST at be rewarded and acknowledged for their talent.

Kevin from USA

Yes

No

Out right lies to garner customer favor Gee how do I feel about that. Pissed off!

Kristin from Canada

No

No

I can't say that it surprises me to learn this as the commercial market will do whatever it can to make a sale. it is very unfortunate however.

Lamarr from USA

No

No

This is so wrong. How can you justify stealing?

Laura from Argentina

No

No

The Aboriginal images serve a purpose either cultural or religious/spiritual or both. Those images (as well as sounds ) should be treated with respect and honoured as the ay the Aboriginal people have to get in touch with the Pulse of the Universe no matter what our own believes are.

Lloyd Kocher from USA

No

No

Infringement of their cultural heritage

Malcolm from Australia

Yes

No

I strongly believe that all Aboriginal peoples from all continents should retain their own cultural images or have royalties paid on license. Whether it is Aboriginal from Iceland or Aboriginal from Australia/New Zealand/Pacific Island etc..

Marcelo from Portugal

No

No

It needs to have a fiscalization

Marie from France

Yes

No

I don't think........I do

Marios from Italy

No

No

I don't like the fact that every time something goes out in the market most of the times people end up thinking only about profit and do anything possible to maximize it

Mark Lautenslager from USA

No

No

I think something should be done about it

Anonymous

No

No

I believe it is wrong to deceive a customer in any way and also that the Aboriginal cultural images are being ripped off to help "authenticate" the mass market product. There should be a clear difference between these mass market products and the real thing.

Marta from Latvia

Yes

No

I rise no object that non-Aboriginal people make didgeridoos or uses Aboriginal images however costumers must be obligatory informed about the origin of instrument and should not be misinformed.

Anonymous from Canada

Yes

No

Goes to show how corrupt the world is actually becoming. Cheap knockoffs are being sold everywhere and in many cases its almost impossible to know that they are knockoffs. Honestly I would buy an Australian instrument off of a true Australian as I would a Russian instrument from a true Russian. I am big about that. If you want the real thing you gotta go to the real place.

Marv Miller from USA

No

No

See my very applicable previous comment...

Anonymous from Australia

Yes

No

You'll know the difference when you try to play them

Anonymous

Yes

No

I think this is just a byproduct of greed. People want money and will exploit whatever they can to get it.

Matthew Collins from United Kingdom

Yes

No

Getting more unhappy every time I read more about this

Michael from USA

Yes

No

Like I said before deceiving the customer and ripping off culture is wrong.

Michael from USA

Yes

No

I feel that this is a very base method of making money. You should clearly state that it is not Aboriginal made if it isn't. For some people they are just wanting the instrument to be able to learn.

Anonymous

No

No

It is a shame also.

Michele from Italy

No

No

Shame!!!

Michele from USA

No

No

Again The creator deserves the credit

Anonymous from Australia

Yes

No

If there is a way to make money out of something or some-one unfortunately most people don't give a shit!!! how little they understand about the big picture

Anonymous from USA

No

No

I feel that that is wrong and laws should be put in place to protect the Aboriginal people and their culture and their contributions.

Anonymous

No

No

Not good

Paul Van Heuklom from USA

No

No

Again I'm dismayed--though glad I found your site.

Pete from USA

No

No

I also think we have a responsibility to the integrity of the peoples and the culture of this beautiful instrument

Peter from Australia

No

No

This is more annoying and I believe would be classed as theft or at best deception

Philip from Australia

Yes

No

Let's have some honesty

Philip from USA

No

No

I don't believe that people should profit from using the aboriginal name without the right.

Philipp Gerisch from Germany

Yes

No

It's nasty. If the whites make didgeridoos they should invent their own images or don't use any images. wood can also look beautiful. it isn't fair to sell didges as Aboriginal ones. But we have this problem for any length of time...

Philippe Angelidis from Luxembourg

Yes

No

This is one of the reason I bought 2 didgeridoos on this website.

Richard from United Kingdom

Yes

No

It should be stated on them where they are made once you get into playing one people will go and buy the real thing.

Robert from USA

Yes

No

Using money as a score for life brings out the worst in people.

Roel Adriaensens from Belgium

Yes

No

I hate they try to swindle people at the cost of this proud people! Honesty first! Even more terrible is that they often get the symbolism wrong!

Roger Paupore from USA

No

No

Sounds american

Rolf Hebenstreit from USA

No

No

They should be getting fair share in marketing & sales

Ronald Labee from Netherlands

Yes

No

The government must do something about it it's the culture of Australia and the history.

Rovene Askren from USA

Yes

No

Pure and simple it is rape. rape of a people and a nation. I have a strong mouth on me I akin it to baby killing or genocide if folk can't make a living they die. murder it is. just cowardly and slow murder better to have he wiezands to use a gun at least that's honest murder. sorry I have strong views on this from personal experience. I better shut up I'll only get worse on this subject.

Ruben Rigillo from Italy

Yes

No

Quite more upset!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rui from Portugal

Yes

No

It should be mandatory to include who created the didgeridoo so that costumers can have chose between the real deal and the copycat. It is unfair both for the costumer and the aboriginal people.

Ryan from USA

No

No

That is an absolute out rage and they should be dealt with the law accordingly. A law should be made protecting Aboriginal Interests in the sales of didgeridoos!

Sarah from Australia

Yes

No

Once again it's disgraceful. People are profiting from Aboriginals sacred beliefs.

Sasha from USA

No

No

Not surprised really. people are awful to one another... I'm glad I found this site and was able to educate myself before purchasing an immoral and deceitful product from another local shop.

Sean from Canada

No

No

I certainly don't think that is not right. It is to bad that aboriginals can't have some kind special copyright on their didgeridoos so that you know that its authentic.

Anonymous

No

No

That's frustrating and they are deceiving their costumer. Clearly they are in it for the money and making the cash with their name and symbols on a Didgeridoo that doesn't belong to them in the first place. I makes me not want to contribute to their cause and their ways if they wont be honest. I would first want to buy form the natural creature and only because my funds are low then I would venture out and buy form someone who appreciates and respects the art of the didgeridoo and would sell me the next best thing. It's sickens me how society is all about money the outer shell and what seems to be the most important thing in life.. money status and table cloths.

Simona from Italy

No

No

It is an injustice

Anonymous from Norway

Yes

No

I think it's greed! It should be banned and reported!

Sten from Canada

Yes

No

I got chipped 40$ when I just saw them in a basket. Damned thing exploded:D. The next didgeridoo I purchased was from a classier and more dedicated joint.

Anonymous

No

No

Misrepresenting who makes them should be against the law.

Thibaut Delhaye from France

Yes

No

Customers are deceiving by some sellers who just want to make money on "fashionable" stuff without regarding the bad side of their acts. Customer have to be aware and had to make sure of what he is buying (this is right for a lot of things! ).

Tyler from USA

Yes

No

The REAL didgeridoos made by the aboriginal people should be the only didges to be sold with these cultural images. These images are a part of the aborigine's culture and it should only be their's to use!

Anonymous

No

No

This deception is a form of false advertising. They disrespect a society and its culture by using their symbols and images and get the money by making people think they are getting the real thing. Moreover no recompense goes to the original Aboriginal culture whose images and symbols they have taken.

Anonymous from Canada

No

No

There should be a law obligating to clearly indicate the provenance of the instruments.

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Check out other selections of our visitors' comments:

GENERAL DIDGERIDOO ISSUES

DIDGERIDOO AUTHENTICITY

DIDJSHOP COMMENTS

TRADITIONAL DIDGERIDOO PLAYING

EFFECTS OF DIDGERIDOO PLAYING & LISTENING

ABORIGINAL ISSUES

 

If you have any question you would like us to ask our visitors, please let us know.

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