28mm Nomadic Arabic Guide for my European Explorers ?

[bobblezbob]

I recently picked up from a second hand dealer a 28mm Camel mounted Arabic figure, make unknown (he comes with 4 optional right arms - 2 holding different swords, 1 holding a 'water container' (?) and 1 holding a spear. He has a shield hanging from the saddle and a helmet either side of the saddle all so).
My question is....I'm guessing the figure was made for an era WAYYYYY before 19th C but could I use him as a trans Saharan Nomadic (Tuareg ?) guide for my European explorers ?
Would he be OK suitably armed with a spear or should I try to give him some kind of ancient musket even with his shield and swords ?
A quick Google image search wasnt very helpful.

EDIT. Found that the figure is 1 from a 3 pack of Warlord Games Roman Dromedarii !

[Plynkes]

A bit hard to say without seeing the figure, but I wouldn't worry about him looking too antiquated. During the First World War the Sultan of Darfur's army still had a few swordsmen in chainmail and helmets... facing Vickers machine guns.

Don't recall ever seeing Tuareg* wearing helmets, but plenty of other folks around edges of the Sahara did. And you can happily mix more modern weapons with swords and spears if you want, but it isn't necessary.





*Not sure I'd want Tuareg guides anyhow, Alexine Tinné was hacked to bits with swords by hers.

[bobblezbob]

Cheers Plynkes,
re. the edit to my post above 'antiquated' he certainly is, chainmail and all ! sounds like he's just the job as he is many thanks.