Zouave Contraband

[Mgreer]

This is an odd but great photo I found while looking for something different. It appears to be contraband or camp servants armed and posing for a camp photo. I'm wondering if they were part of a Zouave regiment and that explains the fez's

Marvin

[Minieball577]

Re: Zouave Contraband

Any chance those are not fez's but the "Michigan Hats" or "Canada Caps" that are often seen in images of the 4th Michigan Infantry? Some of their photos also show African-American "servants."

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Zouave Contraband

Could be a non-Zoave US Colored Unit that has bought for themselves camp hats and are posing for fun.

Fun pic. Shows a a great human side to the warriors that fought to make America free.

Thanks, Marvin- Johnny

[Mgreer]

Re: Zouave Contraband

They do look like the "Michigan Hats" or "Canada Caps"

[Minieball577]

Re: Zouave Contraband

http://www.4thmichigan.com/images/4th%20Mi.%20company%20at%20rest%201861.jpg

I think the boy in your image the one with the sword strikes a resemblance to the boy in the foreground of this 4th Michigan image.

[Dusty Merritt]

Re: Zouave Contraband

I saw this image in a series of photographs from the New York State Historical Society labeled as members of the 23rd New York Infantry. That said, I have my doubts. The theory several of you purported, that these are actually camp servants of the 4th Michigan, also seems a good one to me. The hats are right on, and the wooded background makes me think of this Matthew Brady camp life series of the Fourth: http://www.4thmichigan.com/4th_mi_ca...hotographs.htm.

Also, that banjo is awesome. I wish I could hear it played.

[erik]

Re: Zouave Contraband

I agree abut the Canada caps and the 4th Mich connection. Nice information.
While scrolling through the various photos I was again struck by the circular buckles worn by the musicians.
Can anyone supply an example and details of this buckle and a source of modern reproduction?

Erik Simundson

[GreencoatCross]

Re: Zouave Contraband

Erik,

I believe the musicians could be wearing baldric buckles on their waist belts.

[erik]

Re: Zouave Contraband

Good conclusion and perhaps correct as there is no sign of a locket plate style.
Any one who has done this? I would appreciate any info.

Erik Simundson

[Andrew Jarvi]

Re: Zouave Contraband

I found this image to be interesting as well, in the LOC (Rep #: LC-DIG-ppmsca-27014) it is titled as: Unidentified African American soldier in Union Zouave uniform. Any idea what unit this may have been? Special thanks to Yulanda Burgess for bringing attention to it.

[Kenneth Moran]

Re: Zouave Contraband

Marvin:

Perhaps this image was taken at Hilton Head Island? I can recall seeing several camp images of New Hampshire Infantry at Hilton Head with similar headgear. I did a google image search of the 3rd New Hampshire Infantry and some interesting results popped-up. Hope this helps in your quest.

Respectfully,
Ken

[blackbanjotony]

Re: Zouave Contraband

Am an historian of the banjo. Looking for exact provenance of this picture (in other words enough so I can quote it as a source in a presentation or article). Write me at blackbanjotony@hotmail.com