It is important to note that the name of Arabanoo’s clan was not recorded, or if it was, it hasn’t yet come to light. Although he was captured on Cammeraygal Country at present- day Manly, this may not have been his Country. In a similar example, we know Woollarawarre Bennelong, who was also captured on Cammeraygal Country in 1789, was from the Wangal clan of the southern shore of Parramatta River. For the purposes of this project, Arabanoo is identified as an Eora or a Sydney Aboriginal man.
First named ‘Manly’ by the British, after the place where he was captured, Arabanoo was imprisoned with an iron handcuff attached to his left wrist, which he called ‘ben-gàd-ee’, meaning ornament, which he believed it to be. Captain Watkin Tench noted ‘his delight changed to rage and hatred when he discovered its use’. Tench washed, shaved and dressed Arabanoo, and described him as ‘black as the lighter caste of the African negroes’. Engaging with the British, Arabanoo continued to provide language, including gweè-un (fire) and Weè-rong (Sydney Cove), and, unlike his captors who didn’t learn to speak the local language, he also started to learn to speak English. Tench wrote that ‘much information relating to the customs and manners of his country was also gained from him’.
Arabanoo’s appetite was often commented on and, along with fish and meat, he enjoyed bread and tea. His sense of responsibility towards others was noted, as he always shared his food with children and animals. His empathy was highlighted in March 1789 when Arabanoo protested the punishment of 150 lashes given to convicts who had run away to attack local Aboriginal people and steal their belongings. Tench described how ‘Arabanoo was present at the infliction of the punishment; and was made to comprehend the cause and the necessity of it; but he displayed on this occasion symptoms of disgust and terror only’.
The devastating galgalla epidemic broke out among the Aboriginal population in April 1789. In despair, Arabanoo helped to properly bury some of his kin. David Collins noted his response: ‘he exclaimed, “All dead! All dead!” and then hung his head and was silent.’ After tending many of the sick and dying, Arabanoo succumbed to galgalla himself and passed away on 18 May 1789 and was buried in the Government House Gardens. Collins described how Arabanoo’s passing was ‘to the great regret of everyone who had witnessed how little of the savage was found in his manner’.