By
Aaron Cowman
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Society for Creative Anachronism draws student attention
A new look or style will generally gather little attention on the UA Mall, but a man dressed in medieval garb, cracking two whips next to belly dancers tends to draw a crowd.
This scene was part of an exhibition put on Sept. 8 by the College of St. Felix, the University of Arizona chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). The group recreates pre-17th century European history.
Unlike some other historical reenactment groups, the SCA focuses on all aspects of medieval life.
"It's not just the reenactment of battles," said Curt Booth, hospitallar - or events coordinator - for the group. "It's the reenactment of history itself."
Members in the organization assume different roles within the group, said Booth, 33, an administrative secretary for the UA electrical and computer engineering department. "Laurels" handle the arts and crafts, "pelicans" are service-oriented and the knights, or "masters of arms," reproduce ancient matches. Members of these groups wear costumes that represent their division.
The SCA also hosts mock battles between members, which are all performed in a safe environment with swords made of bamboo that does not splinter.
"Honor and chivalry mean everything," Booth said. "There are no referees or rules, the fighters need to be honest. If they get hit they need to acknowledge it."
While the College of St. Felix has been in existence off and on for 10 years, the SCA has been around for much longer. Started in Berkeley, Calif., in 1966, the organization has expanded into a global network, with chapters from Europe to New Zealand.
There are about 60,000 members in the entire society, Booth said.
"I like to think it's the world's largest standing army," he said.
The SCA is divided into 16 "kingdoms" worldwide. The College of St. Felix is part of the Kingdom of Atenveldt, which encompasses all of Arizona and parts of Utah and California.
The group structures itself using the feudal system of the 17th century. Cities are known as baronies. If a group is organized around a military base it is known as a march, and if near a university it is called a college.
In addition, the group members are renamed when they become a part of the organization.
Booth's name with the group is Lord Fergus de Botha.
"My original family name is de Botha," Booth said. "Fergus came from a book of Scottish baby names."
New members are encouraged to come up with their own names upon joining the group.
Since he joined, Booth has made the SCA a large part of his life.
"(The group) gives a feeling of belonging," Booth said. "It's incredible the bond you share."
The group is open to anyone, especially those with a passion for history.
"We don't discriminate on any basis," Booth said. "There are no religious events, or anything like that. Anyone can join the organization, all they need to do is attend the meetings."
The College of Felix meets the first and third Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering building, Room S324. The entire Tucson section meets the second Sunday of the month at Himmel Park, 1000 N. Tucson Blvd.
