Why did medieval masters carve these iconic, wide-eyed chess pieces from walrus ivory?
In short: Discovered in a mysterious hoard on the Isle of Lewis, these 12th-century chessmen remain some of the most enigmatic artifacts of the medieval world. Carved from walrus ivory and whale teeth, these figures offer a rare glimpse into the international connections, strategic pastimes, and artistic sensibilities of the Scandinavian North.
The Lewis chessmen were unearthed in 1831 near Camas Uig, Scotland, though the exact circumstances of their discovery remain shrouded in conflicting accounts. The hoard contained 93 gaming pieces, including chessmen and items for the game of tables. While modern observers often find the figures’ bulging eyes and pensive expressions amusing, these features likely signaled ferocity, contemplation, or wisdom to their 12th-century creators. The pieces were likely crafted in Norway, where walrus ivory—sourced from Greenland—was a prized material for high-status goods.
The hoard’s composition suggests it held at least four distinct chess sets, potentially carved by different artisans within a single workshop. The pieces are remarkably detailed: kings and queens sit on elaborate thrones, while rooks are depicted as sword-wielding warders, some biting their shields in a display of berserker fury. Scientific analysis has revealed traces of mercury on the surface of some pieces, indicating they were once stained with cinnabar to distinguish opposing sides, likely replacing the black-and-white convention used today.
Why these treasures were buried remains a mystery. They may have been the inventory of a merchant traveling between Scandinavia and the British Isles, or perhaps the personal collection of a powerful local leader. Regardless of their original purpose, the pieces highlight the deep cultural ties between the Hebrides and the kingdom of Norway. Even after the islands were ceded to Scotland in 1266, the region maintained strong religious and political links to the bishopric of Trondheim, ensuring these Scandinavian-style artifacts remained central to the local narrative.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The story of the Lewis chess pieces | National Museums Scotland
- Also: Lewis chessmen
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