The Lewis Chessmen, carved from walrus ivory and whales teeth (Belonging to a group of 78 pieces found at one site on the Isle of Lewis (Camas Uig) in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, 1831); 12th...
The Lewis Chessmen, carved from walrus ivory and whales teeth (Belonging to a group of 78 pieces found at one site on the Isle of Lewis (Camas Uig) in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, 1831); 12th...
They're the most famous chess pieces in history—but much of their story is still unknown
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The Lewis Chessmen, carved from walrus ivory and whales teeth (Belonging to a group of 78 pieces found at one site on the Isle of Lewis (Camas Uig) in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, 1831); 12th...
Everyone has heard of berserks (or berserkers), those unstoppable Norse warriors. These men go into a state of rage and “fear neither fire nor steel” as the sagas have it. There is spec…
The Lewis Chessmen in the British Museum were probably made in Norway, about AD 1150-1200 Found on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland The chess pieces consist of elaborately worked walrus ivory and whales' teeth in the forms of seated kings and queens, mitred bishops, knights on their mounts, standing warders and pawns in the shape of obelisks.
My little friends! These are the ones at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. More of their brothers and sisters are at the British Museum in London.
Here are 30 incredible historic artifacts. Some of these are a few hundred years old, others are thousands of years old!. Armour for a Boy, ... Continue Reading »
The Lewis chessmen are a group of chess pieces discovered on the Isle of Lewis in 1831. They were carved from walrus ivory and whale teeth in the 12th Century in Norway. There are 78 pieces: 8 kings, 8 queens, 16 bishops, 15 knights, 12 rooks, and 19 pawns, from as many as 5 different sets. The pieces were probably part of the stock of a trader dealing in luxury goods. Some of the pieces bear traces of red pigment, indicating that the two sides were white and red, unlike the modern white and black. Unlike modern chess sets, the rooks are portrayed as soldiers, including four berserks, chewing their shields, while the pawns are small geometric pieces, resembling standing stones. The collection was split up soon after its discovery. The Museum of Scotland now owns 11 of the pieces, while the British Museum owns the balance. A exhibition of pieces from both the Museum of Scotland and the British Museum, along with related artifacts is currently touring Great Britain. I hope it come to North America. Image credits: Berserk Rook, Rook, and Knight, RobRoyAus on Flickr. All others, Wikimedia Commons
In 1831, in Edinburgh, Scotland, a collection of chessmen found on the Isle of Lewis was displayed for the first time. These 12th century handcrafted pieces made from walrus tusks and whale teeth have since become iconic examples of our lasting love for wargames. Their origins, however, is one of theory and controversy. Here is an illustrated article on the world's most famous chess set.
Just wanted to share these knights that I think are beautiful or special in some way. Enjoy :)
The mounts of the Lewis chessmen look very much like Icelandic horses. Does that mean the chessmen were made in Iceland? Probably not, as I explain in Ivory Vikings.
The ordinary nature of how the Vikings lived day-to-day may surprise you. From working the farms to entertaining themselves with competitive sports, the Vikings lived largely normal lives by today's standards.
In 1831, in Edinburgh, Scotland, a collection of chessmen found on the Isle of Lewis was displayed for the first time. These 12th century handcrafted pieces made from walrus tusks and whale teeth have since become iconic examples of our lasting love for wargames. Their origins, however, is one of theory and controversy. Here is an illustrated article on the world's most famous chess set.
In the early 1800s, on a golden Hebridean beach, the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: ninety-two game pieces carved of ivory and the buckle of the bag that once contained them. Seventy-eight are chessmen—the Lewis chessmen—the most famous chessmen in the world.
SVETLA, BULGARIA
In the early 1800s, on a golden Hebridean beach, the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: ninety-two game pieces carved of ivory and the buckle of the bag that once contained them. Seventy-eight are chessmen—the Lewis chessmen—the most famous chessmen in the world.
Two men on a break playing chess. Two men are sitting on a short, rough plank bench with a chess board balanced in between them. One of them is wearing a rough suit and the other a knitted thick jersey and sack apron: both of them have cropped hair and are wearing small round cloth caps. They don't look particularly relaxed and their seat can't be comfortable. They are sitting in a courtyard with buildings behind them and a wall at the end of the courtyard. Carts and stairs are visible and the ground is slick with wet mud. These men look like they are an a break from work due to their clothes and the rough nature of their bench. There were opportunities for relaxation but the entertainment had to be portable and was often handmade. [Original reads: 'OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN ON THE FRONT IN FRANCE 'Be careful' (The man on the left made this board and Chessmen himself).'] digital.nls.uk/74546614
