Lewis Chessmen

history · medieval · scotland · art

Ancient treasure from walrus. The Lewis chessmen were carved from walrus ivory, a material that was precious and valuable in medieval times. This rare material helps us understand what kinds of treasures people in Scotland valued over 800 years ago.

Found on a remote island. In 1831, fishermen discovered 94 medieval game pieces buried on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. Nobody knows exactly why someone buried these beautiful pieces there or for how long they had been hidden.

More than just chess. The hoard contained 78 chess pieces, 14 game pieces for another game called 'tables' (similar to backgammon), and one fancy belt buckle. This tells us that medieval people played many different games, not just chess.

Split between museums. Most of the Lewis chessmen live in the British Museum in London today, but 11 pieces are displayed at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. A few pieces are also owned by private collectors.

Carved with details. Each piece was carefully carved with expressive faces and decorated clothing that shows the skill of the craftspeople who made them. They look like tiny sculptures that captured the fashion and style of the medieval world.