ABOUT THE YIDAKI

Yidaki is the Aboriginal word for didgeridoo in Eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia. These days, the word Yidaki is applied to traditional didgeridoos that are made by Yolngu people that often have distinct differences, acoustically and structurally, that set them apart from standard didgeridoos.

They are often decorated with natural earth pigments (ochres) that represent special clan designs and motifs. Natural mouthpieces are quite common along with the use of sugarbag wax from the native bee.

Yidakis represent the highest level of cultural integrity with respect to the didgeridoo- being made by the traditional owners and custodians of the instrument in an unbroken tradition that spans hundreds and perhaps thousands of years.

Our traditional instruments (yidakis and magos) come from IDIDJ Australia. IDIDJ is Australia’s didgeridoo cultural hub for traditional instruments from Arnhem Land.

Guan Lim of IDIDJ is Australia's foremost expert on traditional Arnhem Land instruments and essentially runs IDIDJ as an anthropological and philanthropical group that documents and records all aspects of traditional didgeridoos. He did his doctoral research in Arnhem Land and has an 18 year relationship with didgeridoo making families and communities in Arnhem Land.
 
He currently sources all our traditional instruments. These are meticulously hand picked for their artistic and sound qualities, field collected and properly documented with cultural integrity a priority. Many of these instruments have been used in a traditional context or represent truly collectable pieces from some of best known traditional craftsmen.

Spirit Gallery and IDIDJ work together in close collaboration and we are delighted to be the exclusive retail outlet in Australia for IDIDJ traditional Arnhem Land instruments.

You can find further information about IDIDJ at www.ididj.com.au

HISTORICAL/CULTURAL NOTES-  Nyapanyapa Yunupingu, an elderly Gumatj lady who is sister to Mandawuy, Galarrwuy .The artwork is a reduced minimalist Wititj (Rainbow Serpent) design, painted in ochres. Now  regarded as an acclaimed artist having won the Wandjuk Marika 3D Memorial Award at the 2008 Telstra Art Awards. More recently, her works have been showcased at the 2nd National Indigenous Art Triennial at the NGA, Canberra, and the 18th Biennale of Sydney.

"Hello Spirit Gallery representative, The item arrived today, and it is fantastic! Thanks so mu..."
-Kenny from QLD

"Dear Reno, I’ve been blessed by Santa Claus spirit and good energies, so my didjeridoo arrived ..."
-Matteo from Italy

"Dear Spirit Gallery, I loved my didgeridoo! Thank you so much for the incredible service and how ..."
-Calden from USA

"Ordered my didge on the Tuesday and it came 3 days later to Melbourne , Super quick! Sounds grea..."
-Brad from Melbourne

" Hi to the Spirit Gallery team, Just wanted to say thank you for my beautiful ironbark didgeridoo..."
-David from NSW

" Hi to the Spirit Gallery team Just a quick thank you for my didgeridoo bag which arrived today. ..."
-David from NSW

"Hi Reno! All the didgeridoos arrived on Tuesday. I tried them and everything is great. I'm going to..."
-Allan from Estonia

"I received the digeridoo today. It was delivered in perfect condition. Thank you,"
-Dickie Hunter

"Hey Reno. Didge arrived today. Didge is amazing and packing was absolutely excellent. Think ..."
-Mark fron the UK

"Both Didgeridoos are great. The small one is fun. The one from Jesse L. Took me a min to get used t..."
-Thomas from the USA