| Snowcat | 18 Mar 2010 12:32 p.m. PST |
Having read through the various TMP threads on Pictish tattoos and clothing, what's the consensus (if any) on decorative patterns used by the Picts with their clothes? IIRC Phil Barker proposed a checkerboard pattern, while some other author stated that the 'tartan' we think of didn't exist until post-Pictish times…yet other accounts and illustrations (eg Osprey) disagree. Personally, I'd like to believe in the checkerboard pattern, but it strikes me as wishful thinking. :) |
| Who asked this joker | 18 Mar 2010 12:39 p.m. PST |
I'm not sure what you would call it but basically a gingham or simple tartan pattern (both two color) is what i would think they would wear. Most, still would have predominantly earthy solid colors I would think. Maybe the pattern in the cloak or tunic but not both. That said, nobody really knows. Mix and match. Have fun with it. |
aecurtis  | 18 Mar 2010 12:58 p.m. PST |
There are weaving artifacts (whorls and combs) that have been found, but the last I knew, there had been no examples of textiles discovered that could be attributed to the Picts. So unless there's something new in the Museum of Scotland, it is truly speculation. Allen |
| Oh Bugger | 18 Mar 2010 1:32 p.m. PST |
I think you can go with checks, simple tartans and some plain colours. No one can say your wrong. |
| Hrothgar Berserk | 18 Mar 2010 2:19 p.m. PST |
checks and stripes are easy to weave by alternating different colored wool on the loom. A few surviving pieces of clothing and fabric from Iron Age Denmark show a checked/striped pattern. If they were making patterns like that in Denmark, it does not seem to off the mark to think the Picts could have woven the same kinds of designs |
| Weddier | 18 Mar 2010 3:03 p.m. PST |
Specific clan tartans are supposed to be a recent (i.e., post-medieval) development. However, checks and stripes are easy to weave, and were probably used by more people than the Celts. Just don't make the troops too uniform, and check a craft dye book for natural colors. You don't want to use colors that didn't exist at that time. Most of my minis wind up in natural wool or flax colors, with some colored decorations, partly for realism and partly because I mix my colors from artists paint and beige is easy. |
| Snowcat | 18 Mar 2010 4:00 p.m. PST |
Thanks everyone. Some nice safe tips there. :) |
| Mirosav | 18 Mar 2010 6:37 p.m. PST |
Timely advice, I have a new army of Picts from Splintered Light that I picked up at Cold Wars. |
| x42brown | 18 Mar 2010 11:27 p.m. PST |
I think that the Falkirk Tartan picture is probably the closest actual cloth to the time and place of the Picts that is known. They could certainly produce that type of cloth (it may even be Pictish). x42 |
| Snowcat | 19 Mar 2010 1:28 a.m. PST |
Tartan pic saved, thanks. :) I wasn't aware Splintered Light Miniatures had released any Picts yet… ? |
| Mirosav | 19 Mar 2010 6:14 a.m. PST |
They were released at Cold Wars last week. Not sure if the pictures are on their website yet. |
| Steve At Immortal Miniatures | 19 Mar 2010 10:31 a.m. PST |
The earliest preserved tartan I have seen is worn by one of the Skythian Tarim mummies dating from the 7th or 8th century BC. I see no reason why the Picts would not also wear it. |
| Snowcat | 19 Mar 2010 10:43 a.m. PST |
Steve I found an interesting pdf on the Tartan wearing Tarim mummies you mentioned. Most relevant details are at the article's end, in the counter-argument, covering Celtic textiles.
PDF link Cheers! |
| Hrothgar Berserk | 19 Mar 2010 11:40 a.m. PST |
Cool news about Splintered Light's Picts. These are a sure purchase for me. |
