Clap sticks /Music sticks

There are many Aboriginal languages but the name I was taught for  clap sticks  is

BILMA.  

How we make great clap sticks.

these are full sized clap sticks approximately 45cm. long and quite heavy they are not tourist sized. these are designed to be used by dance groups where the sound is crisp and loud without amplification. We make these from sticks and discarded hard wood which we stand up for a long time to make sure the wood dries really hard.  After we make them into the right shape, we heat them to get the wood resins to the surface which makes the wood even harder so the sound is much better.

The art on clap sticks

My name is Bulku and I am an Aboriginal artist. I like to put the kangaroo (BURU) totem on, as I was taught Buru brought happiness to the land. I also add camp sites (circles of dots) which represents families and their home land.

how to play clap sticks

It is best to hold the music sticks very loosely just holding them enough to not drop them.  Hold the decorated ends in your hands and strike the plain ends together. They should make a high pitched sound when struck sharply together. If it is a dull sound, you are holding them too tight. Clap sticks are used by all the family members and are the main rhythm instrument and often accompany the didgeridoo.