Ngambaa


The Ngamba were an Australian Aboriginal tribe who traditionally lived in around the area of Southern Gumbaynggirr, from the Nambucca to the Macleay in New South Wales.

Language

The Ngamba language is poorly described because little has been transmitted of its nature. It is generally believed to have been similar to Gumbaynggirr.

Country

Ngamba territory comprised some from Port Macquarie and the vicinity of Rollands Plains south to the Manning River. The inland extension has not been ascertained.

People

All but a few remnants of the tribe were attested by 1929, when A.R. Radcliffe-Brown described them as lingering on with descendants of the Ngaku and Daingatti. According to the reminiscences of Harry Buchanan, they had been systematically and savagely exterminated by the Australian native police.

Customs

The Ngamba exploited the mangrove species Avicennia marina for its bark in order to fashion their military shields.

Alternative names