Didgeridoo

Today we visited someone very special. Two Wiradjuri men, a father and a son who live in Narrandera and who create beautiful, handmade Aboriginal artwork that is sold all over Australia. We were lucky to be able to visit Mick and Michael where they work and we got to spend some time learning about how they create didgeridoos and other pieces such as boomarangs, coolamons, emu eggs and other neat items.

The Wiradjuri are the largest Aboriginal group in New South Wales. They occupy a large area in central New South Wales. The Wiradjuri tribal area has been described as "the land of the three riversincluding the Macquarie, the Lachlan and the Murrumbidgee (Murrumbidjeri) which runs through Narrandera. The Wiradjuri people's artwork is distinct from other native peoples of Australia.

Michael and Mick Lyons work at their home in Narrandera. They have a shop next their house and it was amazing to see all of their creations first hand. They had hand blown and painted emu eggs, boomarangs, rainsticks, lummy sticks and coolamons. Coolamons are curved wood pieces that traditionally hold an aboriginal infant or smaller ones hold berries and grains when women go out picking. The detail in their work is incredible and it is easy to see why their art is sold all over.

Michael treated us to some music on his didgeridoo. He could make kangaroo sounds as well as a sound like an airplane flying. He gave some tips to the boys in learning to play. He said to practice by blowing through a straw into a cup. Like the First Nation's Drum, women are not allowed to play the didgeridoo. It is said that a woman will not be able to bear a child if she plays. Traditionally women dance and play sticks while the men play the didgeridoo.

Mick showed us some interesting wildlife that they have in the freezer. First he pulled out a goanna that was accidentally killed and is on it's way to the taxidermist. A goanna is a lizard and they can grow to be over 2 metres long. They are predatory and have sharp teeth and claws.

Next, he showed us a murray cod head that his dad caught in the river. It was huge as you can see below. After that, he politely offered us a grub. Grubs are "bush tucker" or traditional outback food. They are relatively easy to find and taste like peanut butter. We will take his word for it as none of us were brave enough to try it. No Bear Grills among our family! Michael popped one in the microwave to take the chill off and then bit into it like you'd bite into a styrofoam "worm" - same sound!

The boys took their time picking out their didgeridoo. The one they chose was not the largest, but it still won't fit in a suitcase. We'll have to take it as "carry on" I guess!

It was very special to us to be able to meet a local citizen who can create and play such an iconic musical instrument and then to have a photo taken with him was extra special! Thank you Mick and Michael! Please see below for the pictures of our visit!

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