(Celtic Chieftain)
Circa 100 BC to 100 AD:
INTRODUCTION
This thread was originally posted in the Armouring forum in response to an inquiry about how to be a better "Celt" on the SCA tourney/battlefield (in other words, how to avoid being a "GeneriCelt"). In the spirit of the SCA's premise that all participants are, by default at the least low nobility, I outlined a kit that would befit a warrior of that social class. This guide is not meant to represent the average Celtic warrior.
Although my inital outline is geared toward that goal of describing a harness for SCA tourney combat, feel free to use this thread to discuss the portrayal of a Gaulish noble as it might apply to a wide range of purposes/pursuits (i.e. historical timeline, immersive tableau, experimental archeology, costume banquet, battle re-enactment, etc.).
While much of this suggested kit (as described below) is derived from information on the Gauls, it would perhaps also be applicable to related "celtic" tribes or peoples (i.e. native Brits, etc.).
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HISTORICAL ARMOUR COMPONENTS
HELMET
Onion-top helm with large cheek pieces (some cheek pieces adorned with cluster of three bosses)
http://www.niximperial.com/hpics/tn6099.jpg
"Battle Bowler" type helm: a Roman style helm but with short brim going all the way around like a bowler hat, with typical Roman cheekpieces
Possible sources: Waldryk, White Mountain Armoury, Knotwolf
These styles will need to be modified with a back panel and bar grill or something similar to meet SCA requirements. Both of these are established Gaulish designs that might be okay for a Brit portrayal. Another option is a period Roman style helmet.
AFAIK the only examples of true British helmets we have from this period (i.e the Battersea helmet found in the Thames River)...
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compa ... 305314.jpg
would seem to be impractical for SCA use (i.e. the helmet has 2 huge horns/cones shaped like Madonna's bra).
CORRECTION:
I have since learned that there is a style of helmet that was popular in Briton, other than the horned Battersea type. This other style is sometimes called the "Jockey Cap" type and it is not unlike the first helmet type described a few paragraphs above. The shape of the Jokey Cap helmet resembles a baseball cap worn backwards with the bill over the neck. The cheek pieces are often missing from extant examples though thaey are believed to have been originally so equipped. Cheek-piece styles range from Roman-ish to uniquely British styles.
TORSO
Maille shirt, short sleeve or sleeveless, hip length. Butted, rivited or welded will work with varying results. Consider riveted or welded for durability, and aluminum if weight is an over-riding issue.
SHOULDERS
Maille mantle. It looks like a 16th century Bishop's Mantle but opens down the front, closed with a special clasp. It could be use to disguise or hide a gorget.
ADDITION:
Another style of an appropriate mantle would be the Roman style "shoulder doubling" that seems to immitate the shape of the shoulders on a Greek linothorax armor.
GAUNTLETS
Simple mitten gauntlets of a plain non-descript pattern. There is little you can do about these from an accuracy standpoint. Go with what is effective and simple. Please please please--show no plastic here!!!
HISTORICAL CLOTHING COMPONENTS
TUNIC
Hip length or longer in wool or linen. Could be in plaid fabric but stick to more earthy/natural colors for the plaid. Actually, I would say artistically that it looks better to make the tunic a solid color and let the trousers be plaid or checkered. Long sleeved to hide arm harness.
Too plain for you? Consider applying some decorative trim to the hem and cuffs. Appropriate decorative motives might be checkers, spirals or other geometric patterns. Avoid the stereotypical Generi-Celt fondness for using interlace/knotwork as a decorative element. And I recommend really searching for stuff that looks less machine made and synthetic than the vast majority of trims you see offered by SCA merchants (and seen on typical SCA garb). This is a place where some extra care will go a long way to distinguishing your effort.
TROUSERS
Ankle length would probably be better for hiding leg armour. Again, could be tartan, houndstooth, herringbone or checkered fabric but keep it muted. Wool or linen would be best. And a sightly baggy fit will help in this case.
And for list combat it is helpful to sew a band of contrasting braid around the outside of your trousers at the appropriate place around the knee (i.e. below the knee?). This is a courtesy to your opponent who might not be able to easily detect where your hidden knees are located.
SHOES/BOOTS
I suggest an supportive, safe non-descript shoe or ankle boot. Can be disguised as a bag shoe by applying a decorative leather top that is hot glues or sewn to the boot. I'd leave the sole exposed for traction.
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SAFETY ARMOUR COMPONENTS
GORGET
Any type that can be hidden or disguised and meets safety requirements
SPAULDERS
You can wear hidden plastic spaulders or pad out the maille mantle so it gives better protection. Hidden plastic or hardened leather plates are another option. Note that shoulder/upper arm protectors are not a typical SCA safety requirement.
ELBOWS & VAMBRACES
Hidden under tunic sleevs so wear whatever suits you. This is a time when plastic or aluminum works well because it is hidden. Note that vambraces are not required in all Kingdoms but highly desirable for safety.
GROIN, HIPS, BUTTOCKS, THIGHS, KNEES
Consider street hockey pants to be worn UNDER your trousers. You may be able to mount rigid knee cops directly to the hocky armour---you'll have to evaluate. You will need a sex-appropriate groin cup incorporated somehow.
LOWER LEGS
Again hockey armour or even police style riot leg armour might be a solution since it will be hidden. Lower leg armour is no typically a requirement.
HISTORICAL WEAPONS
SHIELD
Gaul: Tall oval with flattened edge at top and bottom.
Brit: Tall rectangle with rounded corners (i.e the Battersea Shield found in the Thames River)
http://www.thebritishmuseum.ac.uk/compa ... 260149.jpg
Both would have a domed metal boss at center to conceal and protects a single-hand grip (much like a "viking" shield. Shield could be curved a bit. Warning: a good way to ruin the look would be to use inappropriate decoration or heraldry on such a shield.
WEAPONS
A normal SCA rattan sword would approximate the sword you would no doubt have as a Chieftan. Another appropriate weapon would be a one-handed thrusting spear.
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EXTRA GOODIES
CLOAK
A cloak would be appropriate but perhaps too cumbersome? Too warm?Maybe a lightweight one for sake of panache and field presence? Your mileage may vary!
TORC
A torque would be a nice decorative touch but make sure it is bulletproof! It may be a nice component to help disguise a gorget. Add torc-like bracelets to this comment---could be worn over tunic cuffs.
BELT
The period solution would be very showy but expensive---a belt of cast and joined metal links with a ring and hook closure. Crafty Celts makes a beautiful one but it is pricey! You might be able to fake one for the field using a less expensive means an save the nice one for off the filed/dress use.
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EXAMPLES & INFO
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/celtic/latene.html
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/celtic/plaid.html
http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/celtic/myths.html
http://www.angelfire.com/mn3/tlbminiatu ... b16038.jpg
http://www.sheshen-eceni.com/images/cel ... mk1dn5.jpg
http://www.ospreypublishing.com/osp_img ... 1435AL.JPG
http://www.modelkits-on-line.com/pages/ ... l/H052.jpg
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DONT'S
- Avoid wearing animal fur, fake fur, animal tails
- Avoid wearing visible weightlifter/motorcycle type belt
- Avoid wearing anything "Biker-looking" including black leather accessories adorned with nickel studs or dog collar spikes
- Avoid wearing typical Scottish or Irish folkwear paraphenalia such as ruffled shirts, kilts, sporrans, socks with flashes, tam-o-shanters, etc., etc.
- Avoid wearing visible motorcycle, Doc Martin, or Cowboy harness boots
- Avoid using Celtic interlace/knotwork decoration or tooling
- Don't use a cultural/period inappropriate heraldry on the shield
These are just suggestions based on looking at examples of the historical harness for such portrayals and modifying them in a practical way for SCA combat. These are just my speculation and would be subject to approval by appropriate officials.
I'd guess that not many SCA fighters with Celtic identities go to such lengths to present a impressive and historically influenced field appearance (in my opinion) and anyone who does make an effort like this would be a stand-out on the field---and a crowd-pleaser to boot!
Cheers,
Tim