Bungaree. Chief of the Broken-Bay tribe, N.S.Wales. / C. Rodius

ML 153

fonds

1830

Graphic Materials, Prints

457879

Copy print : ML 153
Available on open access in the Mitchell Library Reading Room

1 print - lithograph - 23.8 x 17.0 cm in frame 31 x 24 cm

Bungaree was an Aboriginal of medium build, 5 ft 8 ins (173 cm) tall, with a happy disposition and much intelligence, who came with the remnants of his Broken Bay group to settle in Sydney. He sailed in the Norfolk for the north in 1799, and had a town on Bribie Island named after him; accompanying Matthew Flinders in the Investigator in 1801-02 he was the first Aboriginal to circumnavigate Australia; in 1817 he sailed to north-western Australia with Phillip Parker King and helped in contacting strange tribes, being quick to perceive their intentions: he was also an expert at spearing fish. Both Flinders and King commended his even disposition and brave conduct. In 1804 he escorted back natives who had come to Sydney from Newcastle, and proved useful in preserving friendly relations with the Aboriginals there. Various governors and colonels gave Bungaree discarded uniforms and a cocked hat; in this garb he lived and slept. Bungaree died on 24 November 1830 and was buried at Rose Bay. Source: Australian Dictionary of Biography. Online edition.

Out of copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales

The lithograph shows two images of Bungaree. The image on the left is a right-side profile, military jacket, no hat. While the image on the right shows a three-quarter left-side view, and Bungaree is depicted wearing a military jacket and hat

Title written below image. 'Drawn on stone by C. Rodius' is written below the profile image on left. Undated.

The image is inside a wooden frame with a brass plaque at centre bottom with the wording 'Bungaree. Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe, by C. Rodius, 182-. Presented by A. Lackey, Esq, 1958'.

Dated from notice of publication in Sydney Monitor, 6 March 1830 (ref: RAV/FM4/263).

Lithograph has been pasted onto wood and is showing signs of cracking.