Didgeridoo enthusiasts love Didjshop.com!
Where you can listen to your didgeridoo before you buy

Did you know 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?

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 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 Perrett from Australia

No

Not surprising the aboriginal spirit and tradition continues to be squeezed from Australian society so the culture will be lost as well. It's an inevitable fact really when society only sees the culture for its negativity.

Andrew from USA

No

Bad the energy of the Didj comes from mother earth and a 'real' didj is created by mother creatures including humans who are close to the earth

Angie from USA

No

It's a sad fact of human nature; greed. I believe a culture can only be passed on by those who live in it. It is selfish and disrespectful to participate in the selling of non-traditional instruments and artifacts.

Bart Devos from Belgium

No

I think it is proof of little respect to the aboriginals maybe aboriginal minded people should join forces over the world to defend help the aboriginal didge makers

Ben from Australia

No

It makes me angry to think that people do that and it makes me feel ashamed for being caucasian

Ben from Australia

No

I feel that aboriginal people should be making and benefiting from all didgeridoos sold.

Bjorn Weyenberg from Belgium

No

I think that it will be destroyed the typical feeling off didge and the spirit behind.

Bojan Selan from Slovenia

No

They don't need money to be happy

Brittany from USA

No

I do not think this is fair. Since the Aboriginal people created the didgeridoo it's only fair to give back to them. Their culture is a beautiful one. It's also one of the oldest living cultures and we need to do all we can to preserve it.

Anonymous from Canada

No

Although the instrument and technique were designed and perfected by the aboriginal people I don't necessarily agree that they should be getting money from someone else's work but the didj's should be clearly marked to indicate if it was crafted by an Aboriginal person or by someone else.

Carol from USA

No

On one level I am disappointed and saddened but not surprised. I have no problem with didges made by anyone anywhere (in fact I have a few cheap didges made by non-aboriginal people but that were clearly marked so) but what is troubling is the proliferation of misrepresentation. This can only lead to greater misunderstanding cultural ignorance and insensitivity. It's takes a great deal of effort to sift through all the bullshit out there. Most people would not make the effort or even care. I will gladly spend more for a didge if I know where the proceeds are going. This is to very great extent what attracted me to your web site.

Carol from USA

No

Not very happy!

Cathryn from USA

No

Neat! I will certainly pass the word around.

Charles from USA

No

Knew this and it is a real shame

Anonymous from Ireland

No

I don't believe it is for non-aboriginal people to make didges for profit (especially without giving back to the aboriginal people) However I don't see a problem if someone wanted to make 1 for THEIR OWN use. Whether aboriginal or not we are all people and shouldn't be stopped from doing anything as long as it does not take from or cause harm to others.

Crystal from USA

No

In a sense if the material is from the country of origin then proceeds should go to them not to be kept by those who make them on the other hand if the material is not from that area then a percentage should still go to the people of the country since their ancestors are the ones who created the didj

Curtis Burns from USA

No

I think that authentic Didjes. should be protected by law and marked as such. Any other must be labeled as not authentic. Proceeds should be earmarked for Aboriginal needs.

Anonymous

No

People need to be educated more about gathering the authenticity of Aboriginal art before buying it.

Dakota from USA

No

I don't think it's that big of a deal unless they are claiming that they are made by aboriginal people and the profit is going to them.

Daniel from USA

No

I personally find the Aboriginal culture to be fascinating. This interest has led me to research their culture especially their music (like the didgeridoo which inspired me to research the Aboriginal people) and art. As an artist I have developed a love for both their beautiful creation of music and their aesthetic handiwork. To hear that Aboriginal people are not being compensated for their contribution to the arts and the music of the world is a real disappointment. I feel that the Aboriginal people should be respected and rewarded for their wonderful work.

Anonymous

No

If it is done deceptively then it is wrong.

Dennis from USA

No

I don't have a problem as long as the manufacturer is not lying about it.

Dick Passmore from Canada

No

I am a big proponent of Fair Trade items... I feel that more Aboriginal peoples should benefit from the sale of their own cultural items.

Anonymous from USA

No

I think that is not fair.

Anonymous

No

I think that exploitation of groups of people is a common practice of money motivated individuals... I can only choose not to participate.

Anonymous

No

Rat bastards!

Francesco Aiello from Switzerland

No

This is one of the globalizations' face... It's sad but true... Which is the solution?

Francisco Javier from Spain

No

I feel pretty bad because that's an ancestral knowledge that became to us by aboriginal culture and it is like a kidnap. It's a pity that there is always someone trying to steal the others things

Anonymous

No

I don't think is a good idea to do this any more

Gerard from Belgium

No

In principle this is not a bad thing however it should be clearly stated if they are not made by Aboriginals and that proceeds do not go to the Aboriginals. Maybe a trademark should be given to authentic ones.

Glenda Drummond from New Zealand

No

I find that appalling. How come this is not exclusive to Aboriginals?

Grant Wilkinson from USA

No

I believe that a musical instrument may be made by anyone. I do however believe that complete and total disclosure is a must. There is a very drastic different between a Aboriginal crafted instrument and one which is not.

Gwen from Australia

No

Would like to think that I would be buying a didgeridoo made by aboriginal people. Fakes should be discouraged!

Anonymous from Germany

No

It is not good because most of the Aboriginal people have problems to get enough money for living

Harry Ford from Australia

No

Aborigines have been exploited from day one. You need to get your people of the booze and get some self respect back. The past is dead let it go and move on. If you all band together and ask the government to give you the sole rights to didgeridoos and keep pushing.

Helen from Australia

No

I hate it why buy it if it's not the real thing. I know there are a lot of fake ones out there but did not realise that the percentage was so high. You must all feel very ripped off and cheated.

Anonymous

No

I am not surprised. People can be very uncaring and unsympathetic.

Ira Rosen from USA

No

I guess I am not surprised. Any successful product will be copied and many people will shop based on lowest price.

Anonymous

No

It is very obviously wrong and should be stopped by the Australian government.

Jason from Canada

No

Some what shocked

Anonymous

No

It's not normal for Aboriginal people because they lost a lot of money.

Jeff Nelson from USA

No

A Shame. It is like seeing all the cheap knock off's from China.

Jerome from France

No

It's pretty unfair as it is originated in their culture and religious beliefs. It should be allowed but submitted to the fact of telling the truth or at least mention the non-aboriginal stuff as it is.

Jim from USA

No

I did not know this but I guess I would have assumed that some of it would have gone to the Aboriginal people. I mean it seems like the right thing to do.

João Marcelo Moreira from Brazil

No

I think it's pretty bad. The money must stay with the people who gave us this incredible form of culture.

Anonymous from USA

No

It's not right

Jocelyn from Canada

No

I believe that the didgeridoos made by the Aboriginal people are of great quality and they must be well promoted in order for potential buyers to understand this. However I do not object to establishments who sell only Fair Trade products including didgeridoos even though I know the quality is not comparable. My first didgeridoo the one I learned on was purchased from a Fair Trade store at it served me well and I know who ever made it was properly compensated.

Anonymous

No

I don't know. I don't think it's fair they invented the musical instrument - if that's what it is - they should get at least SOME of the proceeds.

Anonymous from Australia

No

I don't like this at all. Earlier this year I travelled to the Northern Territory and was advised to be careful of where I decided to purchase a didgeridoo especially in the large cities/towns like Darwin and Alice Springs. I saw a lot of poor quality instruments that were obviously not made by Aboriginal people or were even manufactured overseas. If these sorts of instruments are to be sold a commission should be paid to Aboriginal communities. All money made from the sale of Aboriginal-made didgeridoos must be returned to these people.

Katie from Canada

No

I feel that it is the way about everything introduced to Canada and the United States It all becomes commercialized ad loses its original meaning and value. It is unfortunate However the Aboriginal people created a beautiful instrument that is worthy of being shared.

Kevin from USA

No

I at first questioned if it was the law of supply and demand. Considering many more stores are offering didge products were tribal areas able to keep up with demand. I see this every day in Arizona with so called native American goods.

Kristin from Canada

No

It's really unfortunate how little the mass produced didjeridoos actually have to do with their origin anymore besides the sound. But at the same time it is really pleasing to see such a beautiful instrument being circulated around the globe and shared with all cultures.

Lamarr from USA

No

It is extremely unfortunate that the dominate culture is so preoccupied with itself that it takes from other cultures and does not see the truth value and decency of paying for what it takes. I have recently come to really appreciate the Didgeridoo and its unique sound. I am planning on purchasing one as soon as I find one that suits me. BUT I WANT TO ENSURE THAT MY PURCHASE WILL BE BY AND FOR THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE. that is why I choose this website.

Laura from Argentina

No

I believe it should be the other way around simply because we only know didgeridoos because of the practice and expertise of the Aboriginal people who are in fact the first ones ho used this wonderful instrument. Second because I don't know in the rest of the world but at least in my country (Argentina and many many other american countries) the aboriginal people has been reduced and "confined" to tiny places where they are almost shown as if in a Zoo. I'm not saying that's what's happens in Australia and New Zealand but that's the way I feel about it.We should at least help them in any way we can and conscientious people to do the same. Therefore if all the money from the selling of the instrument could go back to them the original creators that would be wonderful.

Lloyd Kocher from USA

No

Unfair to them

Malcolm from Australia

No

I have no problem with other Australians making or selling the Didge as it is also made all around the world and should be available to everyone to appreciate. However it should only be limited to ant eaten instruments not commercially made rubbish.

Marcelo from Portugal

No

Thing of the some of making of the necessary one of it is of that of I find it

Marie from France

No

NO GOOD for you and us

Marios from Italy

No

It's a shame that we are talking always about sales and trying to make money out of everything...

Mark Lautenslager from USA

No

I don't think that's right.

Anonymous

No

I think that while nobody should be restricted from making didgeridoos it should be clearly known to the public the differences between original Aboriginal termite-hollowed didgeridoos and mass market versions. I also believe that it is wrong that the Aboriginal people do not receive the credit for something like this that is so original and unique to their culture.

Marta from Latvia

No

I think that didgeridoos is a part of the heritage of all people on the world. I think its great that we can share our culture. Anyway any instrument or Aboriginal kind of art that is made by non-Aboriginal people will of course not be the same as original and is of other value.

Anonymous from Canada

No

I think it is sad honestly. The Aboriginal people don't create so their invaders can profit. But it seems that it is almost the case which is a travesty in their own right. By supporting the Aboriginals one can be proud of a true natural product that is tuned to the way it was meant to sound by the people who have perfected the art. Also by supporting the Aboriginal people you know the didge has been made in a very eco friendly manner which means no clear cutting and no environmental damage for I believe that the Aboriginals have deep respect for the land for to them the land is life.

Marv Miller from USA

No

Doesn't surprise me in today's (2007) world. First the music is the attraction...the Pied Piper...then here comes the commerciality to "capitalize" on the only thing they can: the making/distributing/selling of the didj... All is not lost though the sounds...the music...way better than any "money glue" to keep the spirit alive...

Anonymous from Australia

No

There cheap imitations

Anonymous

No

It's a shame and it needs to stop so I will just do my part and only buy authentic Didjes.

Matthew Collins from United Kingdom

No

Rather annoyed =/ they should pay a royalty fee for using there design =/

Michael from USA

No

I think its wrong to not pay them for there work and also for them to lie and say it was made in Australia when its really made in a sweat shop somewhere in Asia. We work to get paid people work with us!

Michael from USA

No

I feel that this is always going to be the case no matter what instrument or art style you are looking at.

Anonymous

No

It is a shame

Michele from Italy

No

Being it a holy instrument they should take back some reimbursement something about rights...

Michele from USA

No

I always believe the originator deserves the credit

Anonymous from Australia

No

Another case of cultural exploitation

Anonymous from USA

No

I think they should receive money from the sales.

Anonymous

No

Sucks

Paul Van Heuklom from USA

No

It's dismaying to me that we are being deceived and that aboriginal people are being exploited.

Pete from USA

No

I think that we should work to retain the integrity of the instrument and the people that created it

Peter from Australia

No

Seems to be par for the course - most "authentic"souvenirs seem to be made overseas anyway - that doesn't make it right though

Philip from Australia

No

It's like buying a Scottish souvenir with a made in Taiwan stamp on the bottom - Utter crap

Philip from USA

No

I think it's good that the beauty of the didj runs across cultures that people are strive to connect with the ancient sound.

Philipp Gerisch from Germany

No

That the whites MAKE didgeridoos I think it is okay. But that the Aboriginal people don't earn money for that is bad. I think that the Aboriginal people should get a part of the money - it was their invention!! It isn't fair.

Philippe Angelidis from Luxembourg

No

It really is a shame not to be able to protect your own culture. In Europe we tend to protect our commercial products (for instance with the champagne) maybe something likely could be done for aboriginal items.

Richard from United Kingdom

No

If it gets more people playing didge and looking into the culture of the Aboriginal people I'm all for it. Not everyone can afford an Aboriginal didge to get started. If they find they can play they will go and buy a proper one.

Robert from USA

No

It's the free market. The free market sorts everything out. Right? Right? (cricket sounds)

Roel Adriaensens from Belgium

No

It's terrible! Still it keeps the prices down so playing didge is more accessible and affordable. Just like me I owned 4 didges before buying one made by aboriginals. (Someone who loves the didge will eventually go for the good stuff and try to support the aboriginal community)

Roger Paupore from USA

No

Its unfair

Rolf Hebenstreit from USA

No

Do the aboriginals make enough Didjes for the market place? or is there distribution poor

Ronald Labee from Netherlands

No

This is a terrible thing

Rovene Askren from USA

No

It is simply theft robbery and also if you take someone's income or even afflict it you are guilty of the same as if you went into their home and stole things. that's why I want to sell your didges not make my own.

Ruben Rigillo from Italy

No

Quite upset!!!!!!!!!!

Rui from Portugal

No

I think it's unfair for the Aboriginal people in some part hence they claim the aboriginal people made it it represents a part of their culture and making a didgeridoo claiming something untrue without helping the original people who created it it's cultural theft.

Ryan from USA

No

I feel that marketing and selling a very culturally specific instrument you really should have them made by people from that culture and have a percentage proceeds go to the.

Sarah from Australia

No

I think it's a disgrace that it happens. It's seems to be an exploitation of their culture in some way. If I was to purchase I didj I would prefer to know it was made by an Aboriginal someone who understand and respected the meaning of the instrument and I believe they should be recognised also in the finances gained from the instrument.

Sasha from USA

No

Wretched. there's a local shop that I love which sells painted didgeridoos for less than $60!! (US)... now I know why they are so cheap....

Sean from Canada

No

I think that most people like myself would love to have a great didgeridoo made by someone of an aboriginal culture but other makers are deeming their didgeridoos authentic as well. Now that I have found a site like this I know where to look. Thanks!

Anonymous

No

Honestly I have mixed views on this statement. I believe that it's actually a great thing that other people are making the didgeridoos the techniques the history and the story is getting passed on to other cultures and different personalities. Most didj players know that its origins are from the Aboriginal Tribes and respect that. If there are more and more people playing and learning the great art of Didgeridoo let it be. The fact that they aren't getting the money for the idea and its originality is kind of sad I'm sure they could use the money and put it to good use. But I'm sure if someone wants to buy a one of a kind Aboriginal Didj they will have to pay the money for it.

Simona from Italy

No

It's terrible.

Anonymous from Norway

No

I think it's too little information and too little respect for the builders of the culture we want to take part of. But the increasing interest for didje-playing would maybe help.

Sten from Canada

No

It cheapens the experience as a whole. Playing an aboriginal made didj is the first and primary step in contributing and ensuring aboriginal life

Anonymous

No

It depends on how they are represented. If they are sold as being Aboriginal but they aren't that is wrong. They should be marked not only with the country of origin but whether they are Aboriginal or not.

Thibaut Dlehaye from France

No

It an economic and ethics problem. It would have a trademark on Aboriginal products. To maintain Aboriginal people in place and to indicate customers that they have an original Aboriginal product in their hands.

Tyler from USA

No

I feel cheated and rather lied to about the authenticity of my didgeridoo's quality.

Anonymous

No

It is an exploitation of a culture and musical tradition for financial gain.

Anonymous from Canada

No

Once again the market destroys the culture..

Previous Page   Next Page

Return to Top

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.

Visit The Didjshop

Check out the world's coolest shop for didgeridoos

The Didgeridoo Specialist - founder of didjshop.com