iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Hey, I am performing a show in about a month, and I want to keep everything as traditional as possible, as homage to the aboriginals. I was planning on possibly wearing traditional body paint, but I was told it may be disrespectful, as I am not an aboriginal. I am required to wear some sort of representative outfit for this show, as the theme is Australia. Does anyone have any ideas?

I would not consider wearing a trad paint or a costume whatsoever. This, in general, is not received very positively though I am sure you mean well by that.

Maybe some Aussies here can make some suggestions as to what you can wear !

Good luck

M

Playing the didj is enough of a representation in my opinion. Painting yourself up in a traditional manner is not suggested as it is viewed as disrespectful by certain tribes/clans and is best left alone.

If you must wear a costume of sorts, why not adopt an 'Australian' look - you could dress like Steve Irwin or a surfer or a typical outback cowboy etc.

Good luck.

Thanks for the advice. Steve Irwin is not such a great idea, in my opinion. That would just be degrading myself to the point of Australian stereotype.

I will just wear some African clothes that are available. I am playing with a djembe drummer, so it will go with him.

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Ain't that "degrading yourself to the point of African stereotype" ?

I do not feel so. A traditional African outfit is not a stereotypical representation of Africa. It is a true representation of the heritage. A Steve Irwin outfit would just consist of khakis, similar color shirt, and one of those hats.

Also, most Africans do not find it offensive if you wear their outfits or play their instrument. They consider it as an honor, and are glad that you are spreading awareness of their culture. At least, this is the impression I get from most Africans I speak to.

In Australia we all wear three-piece suits - regardless of the weather. We even sleep in suits, but usually just the jacket and pants -certainly no tie - that would just be stupid !