Yaako facts for kids
The Jaako (also known as Yaako) were an Indigenous Australian group. They lived in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The Jaako were one of four groups in Arnhem Land. They used their word for 'no' as the basis for their own name. This is a unique way some groups chose to identify themselves.
Their Language
The Jaako people spoke a language called Marrku. This language was spoken on Croker Island, which was part of the Jaako territory.
Where They Lived
The Jaako people lived on a piece of land about 777 square kilometers (300 square miles) in size. This area included Croker Island, which they called Mangulalgut or Margo. They also lived on the Cobourg Peninsula on the mainland, right across from Croker Island. They were also present at Raffles Bay.
About the Jaako People
An early explorer named G. Windsor Earl visited the Jaako people. He wrote that they seemed to be a mix of two different groups. Earl noted that the Jaako treated his group with "generous hospitality" when they visited Croker Island.
The leader of the Jaako at that time was named Mimaloo. Another important warrior was Loka. Sadly, Loka was later killed by the Makassans. This happened as revenge for the death of one of their own people.
Other Names for Jaako
The Jaako people were also known by a few other names, including:
- Ajokoot
- Margu (this was also the name of their language)
- Marlgu
- Marrgu, Ma:go, Margo (these were also names for Croker Island)
- Terutong
- Yaako (this name comes from their word for 'no')
