Record

Back view of a queen, from the Lewis Chesspieces

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found at Uig Bay, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides

Postcard of Back view of a queen, from the Lewis Chesspieces.
000-190-001-118-C
© National Museums Scotland

Back view of a queen, from the Lewis Chesspieces

This is one of eight queens known to have been amongst a hoard of around 80 chesspieces found in the winter of 1830-1 at Uig Bay on Lewis. The walrus ivory pieces were made in Iceland or Norway in the second half of the 12th century. The group is known as 'The Lewis Chessmen.'

The photograph shows the back of the piece. The intricately carved panels on the sides and back of the queen's throne are filled with geometric patterns.

The designs on the sides and back of the throne are similar to those on 12th-century wooden chairs and pews which can still be seen in the stave churches of Norway.


Record details

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Online ID: 000-190-001-118-C
Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
Project: 0098: National Museums Scotland
Project description | View all records in project
Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NS 21
Date: Late 12th century
Second half of the 12th century
Material: Walrus ivory
Dimensions: 60 - 100 mm H
What: Chessman
Subject: Sports (NMAS Classification)
Who:
Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Lewis, Uig
Event:
Description: Chesspiece of walrus ivory, a queen, found in an underground chamber in the parish of Uig, Lewis in 1831: Scandinavian in origin, late 12th century
References:
  • 'The Lewis Chesspieces' multimedia programme NMS 1995 
  • Taylor, M. The Lewis Chessmen. London: British Museum Press, 1978 
Translations:
Related Records:
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