Lewis chessmen

The Lewis chessmen, also known as the Uig chessmen, are an extraordinary collection of 12th-century chess pieces and other game artifacts, mainly carved from walrus ivory. Discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, they are among the few nearly complete medieval chess sets that have survived to the present day. Originally, the hoard contained 93 items: 78 chess pieces, 14 tablemen, and a belt buckle. Today, 82 of these pieces are displayed at the British Museum in London, while the remaining 11 reside at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The chessmen are thought to have been crafted in Trondheim, the medieval capital of Norway, during the 12th century. While there has been some debate about a possible Icelandic origin, most evidence supports the Norwegian theory. It is believed that the chessmen were lost or hidden while being transported from Norway to Norse settlements in Ireland.

The collection includes 79 chess pieces made from walrus ivory and whale teeth, featuring kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns. These pieces are intricately carved, with some still showing traces of red stain used to distinguish the opposing sides. The figures, particularly the rooks and berserkers, possess whimsical expressions that continue to amuse modern viewers.

Malcolm "Sprot" MacLeod discovered the chessmen in 1831, and they were subsequently divided and sold. Over the years, the pieces changed hands several times before some were acquired by the British Museum and others by the National Museum of Scotland. The Lewis chessmen have been featured in numerous exhibitions across the UK and the US.

There has been an ongoing debate about the display and ownership of the chessmen, with some advocating for their return to Scotland, where they were found. This disagreement between the British Museum and the National Museum of Scotland has led to temporary exhibitions and tours throughout Scotland to allow more people to appreciate these historical artifacts.

Despite the ownership disputes, the Lewis chessmen remain a fascinating archaeological find. They offer invaluable insights into medieval craftsmanship and the historical connections between Scotland, Norway, and other Nordic regions.