| Oh Bugger | 24 Sep 2014 5:37 a.m. PST |
I'm currently reading Mostert's fine book Frontier and in it he describes Xhosa warriors. Those that way inclined might find the following useful. Xhosa mostly went naked apart from a karoose or cloak. He describes the cloak as being red. I'm guessing this means the inside and that the outside was left natural cow skin. Does anyone know for sure? During war the Xhosa painted their bodies with red ochre clay. Experienced Xhosa warriors wore two blue crane feathers in their hair. If anyone can add to this it would be appreciated. |
 ochoin  | 24 Sep 2014 6:23 a.m. PST |
As you undoubtedly know, there were 3 campaigns against the Xhosa (called the Kaffir Wars….though I think 'kaffir' is now considered racist?).They were related to the Zulu but practiced the earlier, skirmish type of warfare that Shaka replaced. I can add the hide was wrapped around the left arm & thus used to protect the body. Beads were often worn and "chiefs" wore one or two crane feathers depending on seniority.
Warriors carried a bundle of throwing spears. They traditionally carried a 4' ox hide shield but tended not to use these against the British as they were fairly useless.Muskets & even rifles from trade or capture were used though generally not effective.
Hope this helps.
|
| Oh Bugger | 24 Sep 2014 8:06 a.m. PST |
All good stuff ochoin. I did not know about the shields. I'm on the second war at the moment. The British deserters who fought on the Xhosa side are interesting and from what I've read so far having the Khoikhoi and the Baastards on your side was a definite plus. The real stand out heroes for Mostert are the Bushmen indefatigable, brave and effective. I confess I had no idea. |
 Stosstruppen | 24 Sep 2014 12:49 p.m. PST |
I have that book waiting in line. Looking forward to reading it. |
| Oh Bugger | 24 Sep 2014 12:51 p.m. PST |
I'm finding it a real treat. |
| Captain dEwell | 24 Sep 2014 1:04 p.m. PST |
You may also like to consider the Eight Frontier War 1850-53 and the following link TMP link link is a better link |
| ochoin | 24 Sep 2014 1:31 p.m. PST |
Re: shields. My source says they were like "inferior Zulu shields" but has no more explanation than that. There are some period engravings that show Xhosa with shields attacking soldiers but this may be the artist's fancy. |
| Oh Bugger | 24 Sep 2014 4:11 p.m. PST |
I'm thinking about it but in 15mm so Irregular I guess. Also I'm thinking small actions so 4 colonials v 7 Xhosa. QRF have some nice musket armed runaway slaves in their Seminole range that will do for Baastards or Khoikhoi. If the shields thing pans out I suppose I could just use my Zulu. Then again its nice to get it right. |
| Sobieski | 24 Sep 2014 10:15 p.m. PST |
"Kaffir" has been a term of extreme race abuse in SA these many years. Don't even think of using it if you visit. |
| Oh Bugger | 04 Oct 2014 3:57 a.m. PST |
As I happily plough on with Mostert I've reached the 6th Caffir War by which time the Xhosa have lots of guns and some horsemen, shields are mentioned. Sadly for them they were not good shots. |
| Oh Bugger | 10 Oct 2014 2:24 p.m. PST |
Well finished the book and its a great read but a sad story. Some more information – the Xhosa seem to have painted their whole body with red ochre clay in times of war, white plumes are evident too. Guns and horsemen become much more common. I would be interested to see what shade of red the clay produced. |
is back from Council of Five Nations.