Welcome to the Great Jawa Horde!
The Great Jawa Horde is a group of friends who have screen-accurate Star Wars Jawa costumes. We are all members of the 501st Legion or the Rebel Legion costuming groups. Most of us are based in the Atlanta, GA USA area.
We have set up this website to share photos of the Horde in action and to answer your questions about all things Jawa!
About that Sandcrawler...
Our Sandcrawler - Sandy - is a built around a 1997 Ford Superduty Champion v10 shuttle bus. She's got a steel frame welded to her own frame, that extends up and out to create the distinctive shape. Industrial PVC sheets are bolted to the frame. The steel extension and the PVC sheets can be removed for travel, allowing Sandy to be street legal on the road.
Sandy was conceived and built by a dedicated team of Jawas with help from many other 501st Legion Georgia Garrison members and friends. Our pit crew:
Greg Eisenhauer, DZ 61970: project lead and designerWe also greatly appreciate the support of Piedmont Plastics and ContraVision. Thank you for your donations!
**************************************************************************What is a Jawa?
A Jawa is a member of a sentient species in the Star Wars universe. Jawas are small, rodent-like beings native to the desert planet Tatooine in the Outer Rim. They are traders and scavengers. They have their own language, Jawaese, and you will often hear them saying "Utinni!"
Jawas made their first appearance in Star Wars Episode IV, A New Hope, capturing C-3P0 and R2-D2 after their escape pod crashed on Tatooine. The Jawa sold the droids to Owen Lars, Luke Skywalker's uncle.
You can learn more about Jaws by visiting the Star Wars Wiki, Wookieepedia: Jawas
Why do you have Jawa costumes?
Jawas are mischievous, playful scavengers! It is a lot of fun to cosplay as a Jawa! We trade with kids and adults for little trinkets, and generally relish the good-natured mischief that these creatures make!
Am I too big to be a Jawa?
While the Jawas shown in Star Wars media are generally quite small, the Great Jawa Horde boasts Jawas of all shapes and sizes. Our tallest Jawa is 6'5"
We also have Jawas of all ages in the Horde. Our youngest Jawas are under 10, and our oldest Jawas are over 70!
Do all Jawas play chess?
Jawas love chess! Not all Jawas play, but the Great Jawa Horde is very proud of its galactically-famous Chess Jawa, who travels to Atlanta, Georgia from the Outer Rim every year to raise money for charity at Dragon Con. Learn more about the Chess Jawa here .
Are Jawas good guys or bad guys?
Neither. In Star Wars, Jawas are denizens of the Empire. They are not aligned with the good guys (such as as the Jedi) or the bad guys (such as Sith). As a result, Jawa costumes are accepted by both the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion costuming groups.
What is the Jawas' favorite vegetable?
Zucchini
What do you need to make a Jawa costume?
A Jawa kit consists of robes with a hood, a mask that completely covers your face with glowing eyes, one or more bandoliers, plus black gloves and fabric-wrapped boots. You can see the 501st Legion costuming requirements here.
How do I make a Jawa costume?
Please see our build threads.
How to Sew Jawa Robes & HoodTo complete the kit, you will need to purchase mid-calf slip-on boots (which get covered with fabric from the robe build) and a pair of long black 'opera-style' gloves.
If you are interested in 501st or Rebel Legion membership, we recommend that you join your local Garrison or Base as a cadet before you start building. Many groups have local build parties, where you can get any help that you may need with the project. You can find a list of 501st Garrisons, Squads, Outposts and Detachments here: 501st Units
Can I buy a Jawa costume?
The Great Jawa Horde does not sell costumes.
There are individuals who offer Jawa costumes and costume parts on commission, however, so check sites like Etsy. You may also be able to commission a build based on our instructions. Note: if you are interested in submitting your costume for 501st or Rebel Legion membership, join your local group as a cadet before you purchase a costume. You will want to chat with the membership team to make sure that the kit you buy is suitable for membership. In many cases, purchased kits require some tailoring or customization before they are accepted. Pre-made costumes, such as Halloween costumes, are generally not acceptable for membership, as the fabrics are not appropriate. If you want to join the Legion, the best bet is to make your costume!
Can I join the Great Jawa Horde?
Any 501st or Rebel Legion -approved Jawas who want to troop with the Georgia Garrison can be part of the Horde. Reach out to any Georgia Jawa on the 501st member-only forums.
How do I join the 501st Legion or the Rebel Legion?
Visit this page to learn how to join the 501st Legion: https://databank.501st.com/databank/Join_Us
Learn about Rebel Legion membership here: http://www.rebellegion.com/get-involved/
Jawas under 18 years old can join the Galactic Academy: http://www.galactic-academy.net/
What is the Jawa Dance Clan?
The Jawa Dance Clan consists of those members of the Great Jawa Horde that share a passion for line dancing with an irrational lack of fear of heat stroke. They perform with the Horde in parades and for special events. We have photos and videos of them in action!
How do I build a Sandcrawler?
Start by buying a bus. Then consult this build thread: How to Build a SandcrawlerHow do I get Jawas to come to my event?
If you would like Jawas or any other costumed Star Wars characters to come to your event, you should request an appearance with the 501st Legion using this link: 501st appearance request.
Note: "The 501st Legion is a volunteer organization and does not accept payment for appearances. If you would like to make a donation in lieu of payment, please see our Charity page for more information. Our membership consists of volunteers, most of whom hold full-time jobs outside of Legion activities. Our ability to satisfy an event request depends on a number of factors including availability of members, location and time of the event, and the significance of the event. Events which directly or indirectly benefit the community and/or charity organizations generally receive a better chance of a 501st appearance than private functions (e.g., birthday parties, weddings). As a general rule, the 501st Legion does not appear at events or functions that are non-Star Wars-related unless coordinated through Lucasfilm Ltd. Anyone submitting a request through this form should be someone who has authority of the event and should be over 18 years of age. The 501st Legion focuses on Star Wars villain characters, but we recommend inquiring with our sister organization, the Rebel Legion, should you desire Star Wars hero, Jedi or Rebel characters at your event."
Also note that most members of the Horde are located in the metro-Atlanta GA area. If you are in another state or country, the availability of Jawas may be limited.
How do I get the Sandcrawler to come to my event?
Due to the complexity of staging the Sandcrawler, Sandy is not generally available for events or parades. She will make special appearances at select Atlanta-area events, such as Dragon Con, in coordination with the 501st Georgia Garrison.
I have suggestions, comments and great ideas for you! Where can I send them?
Please send all suggestions, comments, and great ideas in writing:
The Great Jawa HordeDue to the nature of intergalactic correspondence, we apologize if we are unable to respond to your letter.