Aboriginal Origins In Brief
It was believed that the Aboriginals emigrated from Asia about 40,000 years ago, but recent human remain findings have revealed that they may of inhabited Australia 20,000 years previous to that. Australia has no native primates, so it is believed that the Aboriganies migrated during glaciation peaks. As the water levels were over 100 meters lower there was easy access from New Guinea.
Origins Of The Didjeridoo
It is said that the didjeridoo was the first wind instrument and may have existed for 40,000 years, first played by the Native Australian Aboriginals. They played a part of a tree that had died due to the infestation of termites. The termites would make their nest in the centre of a tree while it is still growing, living off the wood. When the tree is dead the termites leave and just a hollow tree remains.
Dreamtime
The Aboriginals believe they can be shown where to find the tree by entering a hypnotic state which they call Dreamtime, where they are in contact with their ancestral beings. Dreamtime stories are told in their art and music, and tell of many things, some real and some myth(?).... The dreamtime stories are inherited through the generations, and explain everything from how the world was created to where to find your next meal or drink from the bush.
Finding wood and making a didj
When the Aboriginies have found a tree they would hit it with a solid object and listen to see whether the branches were hollow. They would then cut the branch and tap out the dead termites and loose wood, finishing the inside by burning it out with hot pokers or coals. The didjeridoo would then be burnt, carved or painted using very fine sand particles found on the land.
