Saturday 26 February 2022

Zuavos da Bahia

This is the last unit of my Brazilian army for now. I say for now because I am sure that the Perrys will produce some new codes that will be a ‘must have’ in the future. I will be definitely adding two more Brazilian gun sets, not that I actually need more guns, but I want some variety of gun types.

The Bahia Zouaves were a volunteer outfit formed entirely from freed slaves from the plantations from Bahia State. It’s history in the Great Paraguayan War was a short one, disbanding in 1866, after just more than a year’s service.

How could I could resist this uniform?





While on the subject of the Great Paraguayan War I am currently reading the two volume work by Thomas L. Whigham on the subject. Deeply researched and extremely readable, this is strongly recommended for anyone interested in this war. The two volumes are titled:

  • The Paraguayan War: Causes and Early Conduct
  • The Road to Armageddon: Paraguay Verses the Triple Alliance, 1866-70

22 comments:

  1. A great looking unit Mark and who can resist some Zouaves in their army? Not me!

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    1. Well I certainly found them irresistible! I now have Zouaves for five wars - this one, the Civil War, Crimean War, Franco-Prussian and WWI.

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  2. You can never have too many Zouave units! Especially this well done.

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    1. Indeed! And it has me thinking that my ACW armies might “need” some more Zouaves…

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  3. That must be at least three different collections that now include Zouaves Mark - ACW, FPW and now the S American version! Very nicely done too.

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    1. Don’t forget the Crimean War and WWI!

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    2. How could I.....! I did cover myself by saying "at least three different collections".... :)

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  4. Who doesn’t enjoy seeing a unit of Zouaves? Not me! Excellent work.

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    1. The ”need” for more ACW Zouaves is growing!

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  5. Wow, impressive work on these Zouaves, well done!

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  6. Those look wonderful. Why not more Zouaves :-)
    Cheers
    Stu

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  7. A lovely looking new unit Mark…
    What’s not to like about Zouaves…

    All the best. Aly

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    1. I once has the idea of buying some red pants until her indoors gave me an odd look…I figured of I go them baggy enough I could develop a party trick of MC Hammer impressions!

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  8. I never knew about the Brazilian Zouaves, but I suppose it makes sense. They certainly are a striking bunch, and you have done them proud.

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    1. The French had a massive influence on the military dress in the mid-19th century. Much of the Argentine army could easily be built up from French figures. The practical Germans, of course, would never have put up with those fluffy uniforms (except for the cavalry) - why would you ever use red when you could have a good dark blue and grey - and the British would have no part in that Continental nonsense!

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    2. Hello budy, how are you? Greetings from Brazil. I am conducting historical research on the Zuavos of Brazil. How can I purchase this photo set? Cordially, Leandro

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  9. Hello budy, how are you? Greetings from Brazil. I am conducting historical research on the Zuavos of Brazil. How can I purchase this photo set? Cordially, Leandro

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    1. You are welcome to use them free of charge, but credit the url of this page if you use them in any publication.

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  10. Goodnight friend. Greetings from Brazil. I think I didn't express myself well. I would like to acquire this set of dolls of the Zouaves of Brazil in the Paraguayan War. How much would it be? I'm a public elementary school teacher in Brazil and it would be really nice to explain a little bit about the history. Cordially, Leandro

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    1. Sorry I do not manufacture these. You can by them from Perry Miniatures (https://www.perry-miniatures.com/) the figures are listed under the War of the Tripple Alliance range.

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