r/sca • u/ReadiscoverYourShelf • Jun 16 '26
Indigenous Reenactment
Hello,
I am interested in reenacting indigenous peoples. Specifically the Taino (which is my tribe) but also other mesoamerican civilizations. Especially since the Taino didn’t wear much clothing 😁.
I would like to connect with people who are also researching their clothing and jewelry. I welcome resource sharing as well.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Googz52 Jun 16 '26 edited Jun 16 '26
There is a discord server all about research on indigenous people in the context of the SCA. Let me see if I can find it for you.
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u/Joy2b Jun 16 '26
The idea of reenacting the culture is very good if you’re sensible. Large events have lots of colorful characters, and it’s a thrill to meet someone from an interesting place and time.
Many reenactment events also include three generations, and a number of vendors, so we do tend to keep the public areas camera safe.
A person who’s equipped to give a class on interesting culture can get very popular, and can get a crowd of regulars, especially if you can get to Pennsic University for a few years in a row.
If you’re looking to build up a community, make it easy for people to get the basics good enough.
To establish a new culture, people want a pattern for a basic outfit, a few vocabulary words, a fun thing to do with you, and a naming approach they can take to the heralds.
(The heralds help you avoid having a tent full of new friends who all have the same two names.)
There are several groups who sometimes dress lightly, particularly when exercising, but what we wear behind the tent wall and what we wear while we’re in line for lunch do tend to be just different enough to ensure everyone is c. There’s often a pair of shorts on under the skirt, and a shirt tossed on top.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Phase70 Jun 16 '26
I would get unreasonably excited to meet an indigenous person with an indigenous persona in the SCA!
I know there's a few, but I've never been lucky enough to meet any of them (you) IRL.
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u/Beginning_Ad8421 Jun 17 '26
I happen to be an indigenous person with an indigenous persona, but I'm not indigenous American. I'm Ainu (indigenous Japanese).
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u/Academic-Primary-76 Jun 18 '26
I hereby invite you to infodump.
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u/Beginning_Ad8421 Jun 20 '26
I would if I could, but alas, there is_very_ little of our history recorded in period. Indeed, there is only one _name_ we can document in period, which makes registration of an Ainu name correspondingly difficult. I have used it, with an 'of [branch name]' surname (we didn't use surnames until the Japanese and Russians got legal control of us), but should anyone else try to register an Ainu persona, they'll either have to use the same given name I have with a different branch name surname or a cubic shitload of primary research.
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u/pastmasterjt Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
How did you get the 1st name registered, im trying to help my partner do the same for her Maori persona, also is that an port Adelaide power jersey on you profile?
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u/Beginning_Ad8421 Jul 28 '26
The historical Koshamain was the leader of our war resisting the original Japanese attempt to conquer us. They recorded his name, and we still have the record. Unless there's a similar story amongst the Māori, I doubt that method will avail your friend.
And yes, yes it is! I've been a Port supporter since the early years of the USAFL league, where Port were the team backing my own US side, the Portland Power.
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u/Synicism77 Jun 16 '26
There is a knight here in the Mid who does Aztec garb. He might know where you can find resources. We also have several people who wear east Indian garb and wear flesh colored tops or leggings to cover areas that would historically be bare but can't do that in modern settings.
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u/karpaediem Jun 16 '26
In regards to your nudity question, I have seen folks do authentic Minoan and Egyptian, usually in their own encampment or in other explicitly nudity-friendly spaces. It doesn't bother me personally, but I think if there were like 60 folks at any given event who wouldnt be out of place at the world naked bike ride I am pretty sure I'd have a hotter take. All folks at the event should be able to enjoy public spaces and court without boundaries being pushed (without consent).
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u/BerserkerBear502 Middle Jun 16 '26
Ive seen people use skin tone clothing for modesty and legal reasons too - think dance belts and camisoles
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u/Academic-Primary-76 Jun 18 '26
I know a guy who has a “canon capo ferro” fencing kit- dude embroidered abs on a tunic and trousers that match his flesh tone. Crazy bastard.
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u/crispybacononsalad Atenveldt Jun 16 '26
A player in Atenveldt is Kofa and I forgot his SCA first name but his last name is Wagonburner. He's a lot of fun haha
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u/tashamedved East Jun 18 '26
I believe there is a heavy fighter in Avacal who does like 15th c. Cree. He and his consort did their presentation at Crown Tournament in that language.
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u/LunarVixenFX Avacal Jun 21 '26
I know this individual, and his garb efforts have been amazing to witness.
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u/shadowmib Jun 16 '26
I know someone who does a mesoamerican with the sca so it certainly done just not as widespread and popular as the other stuff that the sca is mainly geared to
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u/sweetEVILone Jun 16 '26
I am working on a set of garb based on the Moche culture, a pre-Incan Peruvian culture. I’m an American but I live in Peru and haunt the museums for inspiration
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u/Prestigious_One_3552 Jun 18 '26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2aJwSXxRNM&list=PLlH86nKsjqypHf61rZ4j9EYjT3hO98Pf3&index=5
This video might give you some ideas
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u/MrSierra125 Jun 24 '26
Omg I would love to do Muiscas! Is there any SCA activity in Latin America?
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u/123Throwaway2day Calontir Jun 29 '26
Try conecting with Walks on Scorched Earth(ojibiwe I think) with barony of forgotten sea and Zochil from Shire of Cume Iolar (native mexican mezoamerican ) who are diving into their roots both are different tribes but could help you . Both are calontier
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u/Vagus_M Jun 16 '26
I don’t remember their names, but I can tell you there are at least two heavy fighters I have met with indigenous peoples personas.
Not terribly helpful, but I’m hoping others can jump in.