"Barbarian" standards Question

[Altius]

Hi guys,

I've just recently bought the Dux Bellorum rules, and I'm starting to build some of the armies of the period. It's a new period for me (Britain. circa 300-500 AD), so I'm wondering if anyone might give me some helpful suggestions on what kind of standards might be carried by the Saxon, Irish and Picts.

LBMS makes some utterly beautiful standards, but they seem a bit anachronistic to me. Would the Celtic and Germanic tribes of the period really have carried something so elaborate? They look like they'd fit a later army.

I'm thinking of something along the lines of animal or human skulls on poles, or maybe just a simple colored streamer. In your opinion(s) would that look right, or can you think of something better? I've been googling for information on what they might have carried, but I find verry little, probably because they didn't. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[Prof.Witchheimer]

I think, an easier drawing depicting some sort of easy-shaped warrior, weapon or animal without too fancy frames and such would work pretty good for the period. I've attached a pic I've found after a quick googling, looks lovely and quite feasible, me thinks.

[LeadAsbestos]

I did this for a unit of Vikings that also filled in as Saxons every now and then:

[v_lazy_dragon]

Horse skulls on sticks have been mentioned in a novel (Bernard Cornwell?) for the saxons, and a couple of manufacturers have done them. They defintiely give a brutal and barbaric air to the force! The Foundry Ancient Germans have assorted statues (persumably god related) on poles as standards, as something of a varient on a theme...

[huevans]

Many Germanic tribes would have been semi-romanized by the 400's. I can't think of a reason why they wouldn't have had elaborate stuff. And it looks better on the table.

[NickNascati]

Altius,
         The Dark Ages, especially Arthurian Britain is a fascinating period.  I suggest that you do a Google search and purchase a book or two on the history of the period.  Don't rely on the rules for your research.

                                                                                                      Nick

[dm]

No one really knows for certain.

By this period many so called "Barbarian" people and tribes had to some extent come into contact with the Roman world or what was left of it and those who had been close to it may have been influenced by the art styles of the day.

Abstract animal designs always look good on banners and so do crude images of Gods. Have a look at some early Saxon metalwork and Pictish carved stones via google images but some of the designs may be a bit later than the 500 AD period.