"Axes, Spears and Penis Sheaths" Topic

Yes its the Libyans!

Some Blackhat 15mm here.

I've painted these guys with black hair and now I'm wondering about that, maybe there should be some lighter hair colours too.

no.

Why so?

'Penis Sheaths' now that's protecting ones weapon :) I like the idea of some of the Libyans having red hair dyed or otherwise, not sure if its true genetically but a lot of the Egyptian art show some of their enemies with different hair and skin colour and I don't think they were prone to incorrectly depicting these peoples.
Cheers

What I was thinking Zargon was that lighter hair is not unknown in libya today not least among the Berber.

Since todays Libyans have recieved a heavy admixture of Arab invaders and their sub saharan slaves lighter hair might have been more common in the past. Only a thought of course.

Would be really nice to get some good analysis from any period remains found.

Seems that if one goes by Berbers that fair complexions and dark hair are common.

With among current inhabitants some brownish hair -

P.S. Nice work!!

Thanks Goragrad, Yeah that is the colouring I had in mind.

So far as I know the Berbers did not arrive in Libya in the Classical period they were already there when the Carthaginians held sway.

You are right we need an expert who knows the research.

There is quite a lot out there if you look for discussions on the Amazigh. Unfortunately discussions tend to bog down into nationalist and racial rants. Genetic evidence is debated – it may link to a neolithic connection to populations the other side of the Med or similarities may be due to Classical and later population exchanges.

Painting wise, Egyptian representations do seem to use lighter hair for the Libyans in some pictures but not all.

That's interesting Swampster I think I'll go for a mix of hair colours for the next unit.

At least a couple of the sources put the Berbers there with Old Kingdom Egypt and earlier.

As with any other region where access is reasonably easy a lot of mixing has gone on since.

Genetically wiki was noting some research showing Soumi DNA amongst everything else. Back to Neolithic migrations.

Thanks for that Goragrad it confirms my initial thoughts on the matter.

De nada, I have some Libyans to paint as well.

Hair colour was mud brown to dark brown. This was either the actual colour or actual mud like e.g. Nubians.
I think they have come from Europe into Africa.
Ancient reliefs depicting Syrians/Amorites show brown hair and even blue eyes.
Sheaths were coloured in reds, blue etc.
Figures are very nice and characterful.