Pre-European Trading

Prior to the arrival of Europeans, Elcho Islanders and other Yolngu living along the coastal edges of Arnhemland had regular contract with sea traders passing through the great trading route between China and Europe.

In the 17th Century Dutch Portuguese and Spanish are known to have charted the Arnhemland coast. The impact of any possible contacts with these traders is not known.

One group who came in greater numbers was the sea traders from the Celebes who came to hunt and process trepang and other trading products along the northern coastline.

Trepang fishermen had been coming each year to the Northern Territory coastline (called Marrege) from Macassar for many generations, beginning several hundred years ago. Most of these sailors were Macassan although there were Bugis and sometimes other groups as well, represented amongst the crews. They came for trepang though turtle shell, pearls and pearl shell were also of value to them. The trepang were collected from the shallow waters, then boiled and dried on the shores.

The Macassans timed their travel according to seasonal winds. They arrived towards the end of December, would fish for a few months, and leave with the change of wind to the South East, at about mid April.

Records indicate that each year thousands of Macassan came to the coastal areas each year.

A negotiated exchange existed between the visitors and the local Yolngu supported trading activities and provided a significant economic contribution to the region for up to 400-500 years.

 
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