Aboriginal people
Aboriginal people were a constant presence in the town of Sydney. In Taylor's panorama they are visible across the scene, both in the town and in the bush on its outskirts. They are shown continuing their traditional lifestyle, as well as mingling with white settlers and convicts.
Sydney's Aboriginal people were well known among the colonists. They were the eyes and the ears of the town, first with the news of ships and shipwrecks. They were part of the street culture and their own great contests attracted white spectators. They traded specimens and artefacts with collectors, and acted as guides for tourists. Judge Barron Field wrote of them in 1822: 'They bear themselves erect, and address you with confidence, always in good humour, and often with grace. They are not common beggars ... They are ... the carriers of news and fish ... They know everybody; and understand the nature of everybody's business'.
Sydney's Aboriginal people were well known among the colonists. They were the eyes and the ears of the town, first with the news of ships and shipwrecks. They were part of the street culture and their own great contests attracted white spectators. They traded specimens and artefacts with collectors, and acted as guides for tourists. Judge Barron Field wrote of them in 1822: 'They bear themselves erect, and address you with confidence, always in good humour, and often with grace. They are not common beggars ... They are ... the carriers of news and fish ... They know everybody; and understand the nature of everybody's business'.