All the sets in this series of ‘Woodland Indians’ broadly refer to the various tribes that lived in the eastern part of North America. From the style of dress they would seem to be particularly suited for the later 18th century, around the time of the Seven Years War (known locally as the French and Indian War). The series depicts these people in various aspects of their lives, and this set focuses on the women and children left behind in the village while the men went off to hunt or fight.

The set includes three women, the first of whom is carrying a basket full of something. The other two are both kneeling, with the first holding a pot or jug while the second is perhaps preparing food in a bowl. One of the children is also carrying a jug. All the poses look very natural and relaxed, and seem entirely appropriate.

In the second row can be seen the other components of this set. The principal piece is the domed wigwam, which stands about 40mm (2.9 metres) at the apex and is 54mm (3.9 metres) in diameter at the base. This makes it quite a small example – perhaps suitable for a single family. It is solid resin apart from the door entrance, which reaches well into the interior, so there is no tricky assembly and the model is extremely robust. Such huts were commonly made of strips of bark (birch or elm) over a framework of poles, and the sculpting on the surface of this model is simply superb. Every irregular strip of bark is very clear, as are the supporting poles and even where the poles have been lashed together. This made it a joy to paint and produced a very satisfying result. Naturally the fact that it is solid means there is no opportunity to set up any interior.

Beside the wigwam are two small items to add to the domestic scene. The first is a bowl in which several long thin items are held. These could possibly be maize, which was a common crop. The second item is a group of pumpkins, another common food amongst these peoples.

For anyone familiar with Nikolai products it will come as no surprise that their usual top class sculpting job has been repeated here. The figures and accessories are beautifully done, well proportioned and very natural. The clothing is quite simple in all cases, allowing the widest possible range of uses, but what detail is called for is always delivered. Note that none of the figures are supplied with bases (we added those you see above).

Such civilian figures are rare compared to the many military sets that are available, but happily this one has been excellently produced and maintains the very high standards this company has always set.