Emu Caller

An Emu Caller is a small tubular hunting device used to make a sound that represents the call of a female emu. It is used by hunters to lure male emus from their nest, after which other hunters can steal their eggs. An Emu caller is played by striking one end with an open palm. Emu Callers are often decorated with paint or burn marks, depicting symbols of nature and the twin gods Fiona and Floris.
The Emu caller has a cylindrical shape and can reach in length between 28 to 40 centimetres with a diameter of 7 to 25 centimetres.

Manufacturing process

Emu Callers are made from the thick branches of Mallee Eucalyptus which is hollowed out by termites. A tree with the right resonance can be found by looking for a appropriate tree, ripping some bark off, and knocking on it with the tip of a fingernail or the tip of a tool. The branch is cut down and stripped of bark. Then the branch is cleaned and the insides are carved of any irregularities to create a small wooden tube instrument. After that the ends are trimmed and the exterior gets shaped the create something that lays comfortable in a person's hands.

Significance

Emu Callers are almost as popular with children as they are with hunters because of the silly sounds it makes with minimal effort. But surprisingly Emu Callers are even more popular with bushrangers. Its distinct sounds makes it perfect for long range communication between several people but is is also unremarkable enough to not be noticed by any unwanted ears. The Emu Caller has become such a common tool for bushrangers that they can often identify other ne'er-do-wells by the caller that they carry with them. Potential safe-houses for bushrangers are often marked by one or two Emu Callers hanging in front of the house.

Item type

Musical Instrument

Dimensions

40 centimetres long, 25 centimetres in diameter

Base Price

2 GP