Mannalargenna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mannalargenna
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| Born | c.1770 |
| Died | 1835 Wybalenna, Tasmania
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| Known for | Leader of Tasmanian Aboriginal groups before and during colonisation |
| Spouse(s) | Unknown (deceased), Tanleboneyer (deceased) |
Mannalargenna (also known as Manalakina) was an important Palawa leader and warrior. He lived from about 1770 to 1835. He was a brave leader of the Aboriginal people in Tasmania.
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Biography of Mannalargenna
Mannalargenna was a Chief of the Plangermaireener clan. This clan lived in what is now the Ben Lomond area of north-eastern Tasmania. People described him as being 5 feet 8 inches tall. He often wore grease and red ochre all over his body.
Leading During Colonisation
When British settlers arrived in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania), Mannalargenna led attacks against them. These were like surprise attacks, known as guerrilla warfare. They happened during a time called the Black War.
In 1829, Mannalargenna helped four Aboriginal women and a boy. They had been held for a year at the house of a man named John Batman. Mannalargenna bravely freed them.
Working with George Robinson
Later, Mannalargenna seemed to join George Augustus Robinson's mission. Robinson was trying to convince Aboriginal people to "surrender." However, some believe Mannalargenna was actually guiding Robinson away from his people.
Mannalargenna was promised he would not be sent to Flinders Island if he helped Robinson. Sadly, this promise was broken. He was taken to Wybalenna and died there in 1835. When he arrived at Big Green Island in 1835, Mannalargenna cut off his ochred hair and beard. This was a very important symbolic act.
Family Life
Mannalargenna had two wives. We do not know the name of his first wife. They had at least six children together. Their son was named Neerhepeererminer. Their daughters were Nellenooremer, Woretermoeteyenner, Wottecowidyer, Wobbelty, and Teekoolterme.
His second wife was named Tanleboneyer. They did not have any children together. Tanleboneyer was one of the first guides for George Robinson.
During Mannalargenna's lifetime, his sister and four daughters married seamen. These seamen were from the Furneaux Islands. Records from that time sometimes mixed up the babies and families. Because of this, many Australian citizens today trace their family history through these marriages.
A famous actor, Uncle Jack Charles (1943–2022), was Mannalargenna's five times great-grandson. This connection came through Mannalargenna's daughter, Woretemoeteyenner.
Recognition and Legacy
Since 2015, "Mannalergenna Day" has been celebrated every year. It takes place in early December at Little Musselroe Bay in Tasmania. This day honors Mannalargenna and celebrates the Palawa culture.
There is also a special monument for Mannalargenna. It is located at the Wybalenna Mission Site Cemetery.
A drawing of Mannalargenna was made by the artist Thomas Bock. This important sketch is kept in the British Museum in London, England.
See also
- Dolly Dalrymple
- In Spanish: Mannalargenna para niños
