Red Box 143 1/72 17th c. Ukrainian Zaporozhian Cossacks Infantry

The name ‘Zaporozhian’ refers to the geographical location of these Cossacks, meaning beyond the rapids of the Dnieper, but while they were a part of the wider Cossack community, they developed more of a group identity. Sometimes referred to as the ‘wild ones’, they were less tied to the land than the more settled Cossacks of western Ukraine, which gave them more freedom to be independent of external pressures as they had less to lose from attack. This free spirit did not prevent them from having social structures and a ruling council where all decisions were made, but their love of raids and plundering meant they were particularly valued as a border buffer zone by several powers, and also feared as unpredictable allies or subjects.

While the distinction between the Zaporozhian and other Cossack hosts was important, this did not mean there was any noticeable difference in appearance between them. Their proximity to the Crimean Tatars meant they adopted some aspects of that culture, most notably the long drooping moustache, but this and other aspects of their appearance, particularly the single lock ‘oseledets’ hairstyle, were not unique to the Zaporozhians. Their clothing too was typical Cossack style, generally involving one or more long kaftan coats, often over very Ottoman-style baggy trousers and long or short boots, and most of these figures wear this and a sash around the waist too. Some Zaporozhian’s are reputed to have stripped to the waist when in battle during the summer, but those here are all dressed for a cooler climate, which varies from the way they are depicted in earlier sets on this subject by other manufacturers. Some have obligingly removed their caps to reveal their ’herring’ or ‘crest’ haircuts, but the caps of the rest are all typical and authentic, and this applies more generally to all of the costume on display in this set.

Specifications

• Contents: 52 figures
• Poses: 16 poses
• Material: Plastic (Medium Consistency)