Balgabalga (Hammerhead Shark): David Dharrapuy, yirdaki

David Dharrapuy plays the yirdaki rhythm for Balgabalga (Hammerhead Shark) and sings the associated song. The instrument Dharrapuy is using is one made by Roy Burnyila, a seductive yirdaki with a deep sonorous voice that plays in the key of B flat.

Dharrapuy explains the importance of Balgabalga to the Gupapuyngu people. When they see a dead Hammerhead Shark, they give it ceremony and bury it as though it were a human body. When news of such an event becomes known in a community - Milingimbi in particular where the vast majority of Gupapuyngu live - Yolngu cry for it as though it were a deceased family member. People stop what they are doing and proceed towards the water's edge, the body of the shark is lifted out of the water and wrapped in cloth, and then the shark is buried in the ground with dalkarra - special 'power names'. This is an old custom from a long time ago that is continued to be observed at Milingimbi.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• david
• dharrapuy
• gupapuyngu
• gaykamangu
• daygurrgurr
• ramingining
• yirdaki
• yidaki
• didgeridoo
• didjeridu
• arnhem
• land
• yolngu

[blath]

Wow. So, I was wondering, what is the story of how the Gupapuyngu came to revere the Balgabalga so, if I may ask? It would seem to me that it'd be an interesting story.

[ididjaustralia]

It is a deeply cultural thing that is steeped in history, mythology etc. and ultimately relates back to totemism.

[waynebullcock]

realy beautiful! Great play, great yidaki, lovely toots!

[waynebullcock]

Hmm intresting, so the female yidaki and mago crafters shouldn't be alowed to test, or play on there instruments??

Probably the taboo counts for ceremonial playing. As for the infertility-stories, well that saves anticonceptionpills;-) I think that the recreational use of yidaki is always good.

But if you want to be sure, you should ask the crafter.

[dvdsmlprstylr]

I agree with you.

[uptherockmate]

my husband has one off these he keeps it in his pocket ,i play it all the time

[IsaacIsaiahMusic]

Well, what if women have been playing the didge unaware of this and didn't become infertile? Do we just pretend they're infertile to keep the indigenous people happy? Why would that make them happy? Surely it's bad news. Shall we pretend female circumcision is OK in Africa also? What about women voting or showing their legs in Arabia? I don't think religions deserve respect automatically (since they're based on lies) but I do think women deserve more respect than religion or the didgery does.

[koobie83]

Please note everyone that it's disrepectful to the instrument and the culture for women to play the didge. Stories say women become infertile for playing the didge. So if you respect the instrument, don't play it. Thanks.

[AustralianRocker]

I'd love to learn the didge. Awesome stuff.

[ChristinaRossandJoe]

hey,thnz soo much,this helped me in my music class,my group had 2 find music and instruments from Australia. thnx

[ComradeMartin]

Didgeridoos are the fucking bomb.

[UnearthlySounds]

hey at least you said politley (i dunno if thats how you spell it) but I have now mastered CB :)