Music

The traditional music is a comprehensive component of the traditional art of Australia, because of this, the same draughts and laws apply to them like on the pedagogic art. Also here there is an "internal one" and an "external" level the music is in the possession of a certain person or a group and transports among other things obligations and contents of the family laws and serves the communication of historical or mythological stories or experiences which stand with it in connection. In addition, the music is also bound to geographical circumstances which stand by mythological events with each other in connection ("Songline").

The most important musical element of the traditional Australian music are, besides, the songs which are carried out individually or with several partners. They are trained by one or several "Songmen" or "-women" which have responsibility for the correct ritual realisation and are an owner or guardian of the respective form or the contents. Single songs seldom have in length of more than three minutes, nevertheless, are often integrated into longer song cycles (ceremonies). Songs cover the whole meaning spectrum of personal stories and pleasure songs up to highly spiritual rituals which serve the maintenance of the totem identity.

To the songs the rhythm is banged now and then also, besides, also with the hollow hands on a piece of fur (earlier) or a garment (today) in the lap, or on the bottom.

Percussion instruments are found in form clap sticks (short hardwood floors) which give the basic rhythm, but also boomerangs are used in addition which are hit in pairs mutually.

http://www.schoder.at/shop/images/didgeridoo.jpg
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_Aborigines