"28mm figures for 3rdC AD No. African Tribes?" Topic

Was wondering if there are any thoughts -- consensus may be asking too much -- on 28mm figures that can be used for 3rdC AD No. African Tribes? From west to east (in what is today interior Algeria to interior Libya), these would be the Gaetuli, Musulamii, and Garamantes. Note please, that I want these as opponents for "Crisis of the Third Century" Romans (I'm using mostly Armorum and Aquilia 3rdC Romans). Just fighting Sassanids or Germans is so boring…

I had thought… maybe use Crusader 28mm Numidians. BUT, that is problematic on two counts. First, they date to 300 years earlier, so asking a bit much even in the Ancient period for no change to their culture (weapons, dress, etc.) after contact with the Empire for all that long. By way of example, look at the difference between the German tribes of the era of Augustus and Tiberius, and the Germanic confederations of the 3rdC AD. The OTHER is that Pliny the Elder (who famously succumbed when he went to investigate the Vesuvius eruption) asserted that the Gaetuli were not the same as the Numidian tribes -- even though they apparently used the same language.

So, thoughts? Thanks!!!!

Gripping beast used to do a Desert frontier range that might have been useful but they haven't been available in a while .There is some info and pictures on this TMP thread that might have some pointers for you.

TMP link

I could be wrong but in my limited knowledge, I could see the same Numidian or Libyan figures fighting Egyptions in 1000 BC, Vandals in 500 AD or even invading Spain later? All javelin armed light infantry or cavalry with a higher proportion of light horse the further west you are, just different hair cuts for the different tribes? With any luck some one like Duncan Head may pop up with a far more informed answer?

Don't know if it helps but my copy of of Armies and Enemies of Imperial Rome has a picture of Moorish Symmachiarius (i.e un-uniformed auxiliaries fighting in native style) from the 2nd century AD who looks just like Numidian cavalry from the Punic wars.

The period might be a bit early but the Roman invasion of Caledonia in 208ad would give some different foes to fight.

With respect to using "Numidian" figures from the 1stC BC or 1stC AD, I feel the "problem" is alike to using 6thC and 7thC figures like Arab Conquest Berbers; e.g., Artizen's "MED003 – Berber Javelinmen." An anachronism either way. The Artizen's MED-series are wearing Arab-style kaftans (or ankle-length tunics (see below). The images of the Garamnates tribe of west-center No. Africa (interior western Libya) I have found are wearing a sort of loincloth, e.g. in the Osprey MAA-243 volume, Rome's Enemies (5); The Desert Frontier volume. HOW-ever, the image (Plate A) in MAA-243, is dated by the author (David Nicolle) and artist )Angus McBride) to the 1stC BC. That makes that type of warrior in THAT tribe in THAT dress dated to 300 years before the period in which I am interested. That is maybe anachronistic too!

Too far east to be of specific interest to me for my gaming, but of historical gaming interest widely, might be the crude b/w drawing as image "C" on pg. 43 in MAA-243 (in Tripolitania). This is of a seemingly helmeted warrior in a "short" or knee-length tunic w/ small-ish round shield. The image is dated to late 3rd Century -- not the "only" but one of the few images in the whole volume dated to the era in which I am interested. Except for the arms (sleeves) of the tunic, Crusader's "ANN005 – Numidian Trained Infantry," may work -- with a change of shield. Seemingly, some modelling-putty (or "green stuff") could be used to add sleeves to the tunics….

Ian has mentioned "different hair cuts for the different tribes?" What do folks think of using "Fuzzy Wuzzies" from the Colonial era for one such "tribe?" Obviously, not any armed with muskets or rifles!!! Clearly, they would lack the face-veil of the Garamentes, but as already noted, other "tribes" ("hill tribes" vs. desert-based?) were seemingly bare-headed??

As none of us were there and there seems to be a lack of art and detailed descriptions of these tribes (to my very limited knowledge of these people) I'd say, "Yes, go for it!"

You might want substitute the shields to give a slightly different look.

I had thought in the past of using the plastic Perry Beja with swords and spears as Nobades or Blemmmye etc…

Oops, too many M's

…plastic Perry Beja?

I only find "metal" Sudan figures on the Perry website?? That said, that is exactly the kind of thing I was thinking. I would, however, substitute the shields from the Gripping Beast "Desert Frontier" range -- the only thing not "extinct" from that range!!

Am equally intrigued by the "Kordofan(?)" spear-men? Possibly making a second separate tribe out in the desert? Also, a bit limited as there is only one pack, but "SA26, Nile Arab spear-men attacking," could be used for a third tribe?

link

Try these, £20.00 GBP for 30 figures.

I had missed that lone box at the end of the list. Thanks!!

My concern now would be, what is the best adhesive to use to bond Gripping Beast's metal shields from the extinct "Desert Frontier" line to plastic figures?