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The Lewis Chessmen. Detail
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The Lewis Chessmen. Detail
The Lewis Chessmen. Carved in walrus ivory. 1150-1175. Located in Uig. Island of Lewis. Scotland. British Museum. London. England. United Kingdom
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Media ID 14324629
© Thaliastock / Mary Evans
1150 1175 12th Chess Chessmen Figurine Filigree Hebrides Isles Ivory Lewis Outer Piece Romanesque Throne Walrus Chess Piece
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EDITORS COMMENTS
The Lewis Chessmen: A Glimpse into Medieval Scotland's Rich Cultural Heritage The Lewis Chessmen, a captivating collection of 93 surviving chess pieces, represent an intriguing glimpse into Scotland's rich medieval past. Carved from walrus ivory between the years 1150 and 1175, these figurines were discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Now housed in the British Museum in London, England, these chess pieces are a testament to the vibrant artistic and cultural exchange that took place during the Middle Ages. The chessmen feature an array of intricately detailed designs, with some pieces displaying filigree work and others adorned with crowns and religious symbols. The king and queen pieces are seated on thrones, while the bishops are shown wearing mitres and carrying crosiers. The knights are depicted in armor, and the pawns are simple, yet elegant, with some featuring animal heads. The Lewis Chessmen's Romanesque style suggests influences from both the European mainland and the Western Isles. The presence of religious symbols on some pieces indicates that the game may have been used for more than just recreation, possibly serving as a tool for spreading Christianity in Scotland. These exquisite chessmen offer a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's medieval past, showcasing the country's artistic and cultural connections to Europe and beyond. Their discovery on the Isle of Lewis highlights the importance of the Hebrides as a center of artistic and intellectual activity during this period.
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