People of Carthage

The people of Carthage come from a variety of backgrounds and places and this is reflected in their clothes. Tribesmen from North Africa might wear robes with high-contrasting block prints; desert dwellers wear aba to shield them from the wind and sun, and in the cities tunics from any part of the Odyssey world are offered by traders, perhaps in the blue of the city. There is a theme around animal skins, both exotic patterns and also more ‘mundane’ hardened leathers. Robes and skirts would work for both sexes, perhaps with veils for added mystery.

Carthaginians, particularly those from desert regions, are commonly seen wearing simple neck scarves which can be pulled up to cover the mouth against desert sand. Necklaces of beads and trim of fur or animal skin are also common and some Carthaginians practise scarification.

The cultural armour for Carthage is rigid or woven leather or animal skins on the torso. This might be as simple as a rigid leather breastplate or could involve various animal skins such as lion, tiger or zebra brought from elsewhere in Africa.

The cultural shield for Carthage is a simple wooden or hide round shield, optionally reinforced with metal. Many Carthaginians stretch animal skin over their shields or paint on designs reflecting their dedication to the gods.

Media influences for the look of Carthage are representations of barbarism, savagery and dark god. Take a look at "Four Legged Demons" group of raiders from the film 10,000 BC. Or watch the various tribes and factions of the film The Scorpion King. Many episodes of the series Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys show barbarian tribes who wear leather armour of a range of designs.