Front view of a bishop, from the Lewis Chesspieces

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This is one of 16 bishops 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 front of the piece. The bishop is shown blessing with his right hand and holding a crosier in his left. His vestments accurately reflect those worn by a 12th-century bishop.

Since early medieval times, the crosier has been the symbol of the bishop. The staff of the crosier was made of wood, while its rolled head was usually made of precious metals or ivory.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-001-633-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.NS 25
• Date: Late 12th century
  Second half of the 12th century
  
• Material: Walrus ivory
  Chessman
  
• 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 bishop, 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: