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Discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis (largest island of the Outer Hebrides, Scotland), the Isle of Lewis Chess Set is one of the most remarkable artifacts from the medieval age. Their discovery was quite by accident when a sand bank receded and revealed them. Their precise history and provenance in unknown but the pieces exhibit a Scandinavian workmanship with interlocking animal and floral patterns and compact figures dating back to the mid to late 12th century. The originals are a beloved and unusual set carved from walrus ivory housed in both the British Museum and the National Museum in Edinburgh.

This famous chess set was featured in the Harry Potter movie.

This Isle of Lewis Celtic Chess Set includes the game pieces and board. Made from crushed stone and resin, in a stone finish, the board measures 16.5" diameter x 2"H. The tallest game piece measures 3"H.

History of Chess:
The game of chess dates back centuries to nations like Persia, India, and China. The Moors invaded Persia in the 8th Century and learned the game from them. Years later, the Moors invaded Spain and brought the game with them. Spain adopted the game and quickly spread it throughout Europe.

Europeans had a hard time pronouncing the Persian names for the game pieces, so they took it upon themselves to rename the figures to suitable roles that reflected the Medieval times social structure they were living in. The pawns relflected the lowly surfs (laborers) in the bottom class that could be sacrificed to save anyone above them, which meant everyone.

The rook (castles) served as the home base. The knights on horseback served as a professional soldiers for the upper class. The bishops are the high religious figures. The queen has the most power and can move as she wishes, but without the king, the game is over.

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Related Categories: Games , King or Ruler , Celtic , NEW ITEMS