ALL72051

Steppe merely means an area that is too dry to support significant forests but not dry enough to be classed as a desert, and is often characterised by vast grass plains, making excellent terrain for the cultivation and use of horses. Often also associated with the use of the bow, these Steppe warriors have a couple of archers, but also men using a lance, sword and axe. All are dressed in different ways, mostly with mail or lamellar armour, or solid plates that might be metal but probably more likely to be leather. All have helmets, of various styles, though some have the look of the Vikings about them. Shields are circular and engraved with quite complex patterns, and are held using two hand straps rather than a central bar. As can be seen above, the two men with lowered lance have this item separate, but the set also includes a separate sword, though this would make a fairly unrealistic pose if used instead of the lance. Also included are two quivers, which can be placed on the right of the saddle on one of the horses.

The horses are also a variety, some with coverings and even some with protection for the face. Most of the poses are pretty natural, and all are clearly at the gallop. The sculpting of both man and horse is very good, showcasing the detail of armour very well, and the fit between man and horse is perfect - tight enough to be firm but not too tight to cause the rider to rise up off the saddle. Add to that the absence of almost any flash, and you have some great figures here. We thought they had something of the look of the riders of Rohan about them (apparently many of the shield designs are a close match for those carried by the Rohirrim), but in fact they could also serve for some real world subjects too as there is nothing here that seems particularly fantastical. A lovely little set.