Clapsticks (Bilma)

Clapsticks, known by many Aboriginal communities as Bilma, are among Australia's oldest and most recognisable traditional musical instruments. Used for countless generations across many Aboriginal Nations, they provide rhythm for song, dance, storytelling and ceremony, and continue to play an important role in cultural practice, education and community life today.

Developed in collaboration with Djuker Willis Hart, a Kuku Yalanji, Butchulla and Wakka Wakka artist and cultural practitioner, this range has been designed to provide options for cultural practitioners, schools, community groups and educational workshops. Whether you're looking for a premium handcrafted pair, a natural rough-sanded timber pair, or an affordable workshop option, each has been selected to suit a different purpose while supporting cultural learning and engagement.

Choose from three styles to suit your needs:

Premium Hardwood Clapsticks (Pair)

Our premium hardwood clapsticks are individually handcrafted from quality Australian hardwoods and finished with a protective coating to preserve the timber and enhance its natural beauty. Every pair is unique, with natural variations in timber, grain and colour reflecting the character of the wood.

These clapsticks produce a bright, clear sound and are ideal for cultural practitioners, performances, schools, organisations and anyone seeking a beautifully finished pair of handcrafted clapsticks.

Natural Rough-Sanded Timber Clapsticks (Pair)

These handcrafted clapsticks are made from sustainably sourced Australian timbers, including Dogwood, Tea Tree or Eucalypt, depending on seasonal availability. The timber species cannot be selected, with each pair showcasing the natural beauty and character of the wood provided by Country.

Each pair receives a rough machine sand only and retains its natural texture and character rather than a polished finish. This makes them an excellent choice for classrooms, cultural workshops and those who appreciate a more natural appearance. They can also be further sanded, painted or decorated if desired.

Workshop Dowel Clapsticks (Pair)

Our Workshop Dowel Clapsticks are made from solid Australian timber dowel cut to length, providing an affordable option for schools, community groups and large educational workshops.

Designed specifically as a learning resource, they're intended for participants to sand, burn, paint, decorate or personalise as part of cultural learning activities.

These are a simple, entry-level product and are not individually handcrafted or finished like our premium clapsticks, making them an economical option for larger groups and classroom use.

Every Handcrafted Pair is Unique

Because the Premium Hardwood and Natural Rough-Sanded Timber clapsticks are handcrafted from natural Australian timber, variations in colour, grain, diameter, weight and shape are all part of their unique character. These natural differences are not imperfections but a reflection of the handcrafted process and the individual timber selected by the artist.

Sold as one pair (2 clapsticks).

About the Artist

"Clapsticks have been used by Aboriginal people across Australia for thousands of years, serving many purposes including making music, crushing and grinding materials, and digging earth and ochre.

The method used to craft clapsticks influences the sound they produce, as does the timber selected. Different shapes create different tones and sound projection, while the natural characteristics of each piece of timber give every pair its own unique voice.

To finish my premium clapsticks, I apply a protective finish to help preserve the timber. Traditionally, this may include yakka gum obtained from the yaminna (grasstree), which Aboriginal people have long used for binding tools, colouring objects, medicinal purposes and many other applications."

Djuker Willis Hart