Photograph of the Nanya Tribe taken at Lake Victoria, New South Wales

P1/2336

fonds

approximately 1892

Graphic Materials, Photographs

9658016

1 photographic print - gelatin silver - 9 x 13 cm

The Nanya Tribe was one of the last Aboriginal families to live a traditional lifestyle in Australia and were founded by Nanya (Nganya) (ca.1835-1895) a Maraura or Paakantji man of the lower Darling. Around 1860 Nanya and two women left where they resided at Popiltah station, north of Pooncarie, and went to 'Scotia blocks' an area between the Great Anabranch and the South Australian border. It has been speculated that Nanya left his original tribe due to him eloping with a woman of his own moiety; an action which could merit death in Aboriginal society. The family grew and lived a largely hidden and traditional life for the next 30 years until they were persuaded to return to Popiltah station and resettled in the Pooncarie area. Nanya and many of the family members died soon after as they had no immunity to western diseases.
References:
Library Acquisition file
Lindsay, Robert. "Nanya (1835-1895)." Australian Dictionary of Biography. Accessed 17 May 2022. https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/nanya-772

Full length group portrait of thirteen Aboriginal Australians, taken outside with trees in the background. The group consists of women, men and children. Rephotographed from an original photograph, sections of the mount of the original photograph can be seen at left and along base.

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

'Nanya tribe taken at Lake Victoria N.S.S. these were clothed & given rations.' inscribed on back of photograph.

Copy: photograph, made approximately 1910-1930, of photograph, made approximately 1892.