SWI03 Question? (1 Viewer)

[PolarBear]

The forthcoming Woodland Indian set for March for the BOS series looks great. I am wondering about the figure kneeling and firing his musket.He appears to have facial hair or the begiinings of a beard and has the French Marine pouch with anchor marking. Is he a marine wearing Indian dress or an Indian with a marine accoutrement? He is most intriguing. If he's a marine, then he is a wonderful forerunner to units such as the SAS and Long Range Desert Group of WWII who used Arab dress or the special forces units currently fighting in Afghanistan. I know that during the FIW and AWI there was frequent interchange of elements of clothing between the Europeans and native Americans.
Randy

 

[Combat]

My guess is that this is an Indian who has borrowed some equipment from his French pals. If you look at the standing figure he has similar war paint on his lip that could be viewed as facial hair from the side.

 

[PolarBear]

My guess is that this is an Indian who has borrowed some equipment from his French pals. If you look at the standing figure he has similar war paint on his lip that could be viewed as facial hair from the side.

Thanks Doug

Whatever that is on his face appears to be black rather than the red of the other Indian. Since they are being marketed as a set of woodland Indians you are very likely right. It was probably wishful thinking on my part. I wonder if JJ will do some of the Canadian militia that were part of the French forces at BOS? They often wore elements of Indian gear. Anyhow the FIW and its particpants and their appearance is extremely fascinating.
Randy

 

[Dragoon]

The kneeling figure also looks to have a nose pendent like the standing figure has. Don't know if the French Marines would go that "native" and get their noses pierced.

 

[PolarBear]

The kneeling figure also looks to have a nose pendent like the standing figure has. Don't know if the French Marines would go that "native" and get their noses pierced.

Yes I notice that. It's beginning to look doubtful that he is a marine.
Thanks for the observation. Perhaps the Marine pouch was booty from a dead marine picked up during a skirmish.
Randy

 

[PolarBear]

I now have set SWI-03 and there is no doubt that the kneeling figure is a European rather than an Indian. My guess is that he is one of the following:

1. a French Marine gone native
2. an 18th C version of "special ops"
3. a white captive that has grown up with the Indians

Anyhow this is a thrilling addition to the collection. Below are pictures of the two figures in the set. Note the facial features of the kneeling figure which are definitely Euro-American including the beard.
Randy

 

[OzDigger]

I was thinking about the facial hair query, and then I thought about all the beardless Indians in all the westerns I've seen over the years. Which made me wonder if they didn't or couldn't grow beards

 

[lenswerks]

American Indians do not have much body hair Oz.

PS My mother was Creek Indian. The only indian D. Boone feared.

 

[thebritfarmer]

Can't say I have ever seen one with a beard come to think of it or a moustache

 

[lenswerks]

Can't say I have ever seen one with a beard come to think of it or a moustache

My father was Cuban, so I do have a moustache.

 

[OzDigger]

That explains that then, it's just one of those things that you see, but don't. Australian Aboriginals usually sport huge beards in the early photos I've seen but I guess further North there was a more oriental genetic influence.

lenswerks, I used to have a Castro style moustache but it made me look funny when I drank beer. Actually I used to act funny when I drank beer, still do in fact

 

[APACHEJOL]

That explains that then, it's just one of those things that you see, but don't. Australian Aboriginals usually sport huge beards in the early photos I've seen but I guess further North there was a more oriental genetic influence.

lenswerks, I used to have a Castro style moustache but it made me look funny when I drank beer. Actually I used to act funny when I drank beer, still do in fact

VERY FUNNY! I believe I acted very funny FRI and SAT wife did not think I was funny. OH well!