James Davis | |
|---|---|
&sq=Envato&lang=en&file=File:Oscar-Fristrom-Duramboi_full_resolution.jpg) Duramboi (1893) | |
| Born | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Baptised | 2 August 1807 |
| Died | 7 May 1889 (aged 81) Brisbane, Colony of Queensland, Australia |
| Burial place | Toowong Cemetery, Queensland |
| Other names | Duramboi John James Davis[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Blacksmith Shopkeeper |
| Spouse(s) | Caleeraba Annie Shea (1846–1882) Bridget Hayes (m. 1883) |
James Davis (also known as Duramboi;[a] baptised 2 August 1807 – 7 May 1889) was a Scottish-born convict notable for escaping custody in Australia and living with Aboriginal people for thirteen years.
Convicted in Glasgow in 1824, he was transported on the Minstrel to New South Wales, arriving the following year. Following a further infraction, Davis was relocated to Moreton Bay penal settlement, but the cruel leadership of commandant Patrick Logan motivated Davis and another prisoner to escape into the bush. The two men came in contact with the Kabi Kabi people of Wide Bay. Davis's companion was killed by the Kabi Kabi, but Davis was welcomed as Duramboi, the reincarnated son of tribal leader Pamby-Pamby.
Davis assimilated into the native culture and lived as a Kabi Kabi man, partaking in traditional scarification and possibly cannibalism. He was located by explorer Andrew Petrie in 1842. Davis subsequently rejoined Western society and worked as a blacksmith, shopkeeper and Aboriginal interpreter. He died in 1889; his wife Bridget was charged with manslaughter and acquitted.
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