Biblical Era Libyan Warriors 1/72 Ceasar Miniatures H022

Biblical Era Libyan Warriors 
1/72 scale plastic model kit
Ceasar Miniatures H022

Manufacturer: Ceasar Miniatures 
Scale: 1/72
Material: Plastic
Paint: Unpainted, assembled, Kit do not contain paints and glue.
Condition: New in Box 

Review 
To an ancient Egyptian the term 'Libyan' would have meant all the tribes and peoples to the west of his country, and like any neighbours in such times Egypt was on occasion in conflict with them. However their fighting prowess meant that they were often sought after as mercenaries for Egypt's own armies, so a set of ancient Libyans such as this can be placed either beside or opposite Egyptian forces.

The different tribes would have had some differences in dress and manner as they were not a homogenous nation, but in surviving Egyptian art they are shown wearing little apart from a phallic sheath and sometimes a cloak, which could have served as protection for battle as well as for the elements. Some are also shown with ostrich feathers in the hair, which may have been an indication of rank or status. All the figures in this set are thus dressed, and therefore perfectly match the images that have come down to us. Every figure has the feathers, which is probably not correct, but of course these can easily be trimmed where not required.

The Libyan warriors were largely light infantry, and were armed with bows, spears and swords, as shown here. All the poses are very good, with plenty of action and realistic gaits. In places a multipart mould has been used to improve both the pose and the detail, and this has been very effective. All the weapons seem authentic, and all come as part of the man, so there is no assembly required here.

The level of sculpting is what we have come to expect from Caesar, that is to say excellent with masses of clear detail. Faces have plenty of character, and the human form has been very well done. A slight ridge in some places where the moulds meet is only minor. The detail even goes as far as tattoos on the warrior's shins, which as a two-dimensional feature we feel is going too far, although it will help those that choose to paint them.

It is nice to see even small details getting proper attention. For instance, the archers are holding their arrows on the left of the bow, which is correct, yet many sets erroneously place them on the right. One feature that is often seen on Libyans is a prominent side lock of hair falling in front of the ear. None of these figures have such a lock, and instead mostly have long and undressed hair, but it is unclear whether this lock was characteristic of all Libyans.

Given the limited amount we know about these peoples there are no accuracy problems in this set. In all other departments too the right boxes are ticked - authentic and lively poses, great sculpting and tidy moulding. A couple more spearmen would have been preferable to so many swordsmen, and a few with the distinctive side lock would also have been welcome, but these are minor quibbles for what is a great set. 

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