Yidaki is the name in Yolngu Matha (literally Yolngu toungue) for a particular variety of didgeridoo used by the Yolngu of North-East Arnhem Land. The didgeridoo has many names which change both with language but also with instrument type. The word "didgeridoo" is instead an onomatopaeic word invented by white travellers to Arnhem Land the sound of which imitates the sound of the instrument especially in the context of the traditional music of Arnhem Land.

The classic yidaki has a generically conical form. The mouthpiece is of an internal diameter between 28 and 32mm and the instrument has a length between 130cm and 200 cm. This is in contrast to many non-traditional didgeridoos and also to the mago - a didgeridoo from the western part of Arnhem Land as they usually have a larger bore and sometimes more cylindrical (as is the case for the mago). Yidaki generally have a highish back pressure (the resistance to air-flow through the tube).

The yidaki is an important sacred instrument for the Yolngu of North-East Arnhem Land. The techniques utilised in playing the yidaki are the most advanced of all didgeridoo playing techniques of Arnhem Land. These techniques involve the utilisation of a large variety of percussive sounds often created by a delicate balance between pressure inside the mouth and throat of the player and that inside the instrument itself. These techniques, having being developed on yidaki style instruments, are most easily reproducible on the same instruments - yidaki crafted by Yolngu.

The playing techniques used by the Yolngu have as base various sounds, derived from the language of the Yolngu - Yolngu Matha. The simplest sounds are "dhith" and "dhung". The difference between these two sounds is in the closure, the second sound "dhung" closes with the back of the tongue allows for a continual sound during a quick inbreath through the nose. This is how circular breathing arises in the context of Yolngu yidaki playing. For the extension of these techniques to a more complete set of notes, one should consult the Yidakiwuy Dhawu Miwatjngurunydja site and then follow the cd of M. Mununggurr mentioned at the end of this article.

The Yolngu themselves are quite happy to teach the playing techniques, however they are at the same time much more reserved about the teaching of actual songs or song cycles (manikay). In the traditional context of manikay (song cycles) and bunngul (song and dance for ceremonial purposes), it should be noted that the yidaki is played together with bilma (clapsticks that keep time) and a songman (who may play the bilma). The role of yidaki is principally of accompaniement.

Some of the more well known yidaki players are Djalu Gurruwiwi and his son Larry Gurruwiwi and the late M. Mununggurr who was the first yidaki player of the popular Australian band Yothu Yindi. Amongst Yolngu people in general there are many players of high level and also exceptional players who however are little known (or more commonly unknown) outside Arnhem Land. Young boys start learning at the age of four or five years and when they are in their early teens the more talented are already playing at an advanced level. An excellent way to keep up to date with the evolution and talent in Arnhem Land is to subscribe to the ididjaustralia video channel on youtube. Yidakiwuy Dhawu Miwatjngurnydja is a website that covers many aspects of traditional culture in relation to yidaki and in addition the role of the yidaki in non-Yolngu society (the web site is currently available only in English, the translation into Italian will soon be completed).

In the traditional context the yidaki is not played by Yolngu women though it is played sometimes on a playful level. Having said this, it is true that most Yolngu do not have a problem if women play the yidaki/didgeridoo, although while visiting Arnhem Land one should be sensitive to the culture of the custodians of the yidaki. Much more about women and playing can be found on the site of Yidakiwuy (translation into Italian soon to be completed).

Additional References:

ididj australia

Hard Tongue Didgeridoo by M.Mununggurr (1966-2007). An excellent beginning point for all interested in traditional yidaki playing techniques.

fluiditj information in english and italian on the yidaki, interviews and a guide to listening to, and learning traditional playing methods.

Didjeridoos Tradizionali Translation into italian of part of the ididj site plus additional information on traditional instruments. Commercial site with top quality instruments.