In 1831 a hoard of 12th-century chessmen was found in a stone cist in a sand-dune at Uig Bay, on the west coast of Lewis. The children that first discovered the small figures thought they were fairies.
Exquisitely carved from walrus ivory, the hoard comprised nearly four chess sets – eight kings, eight queens, 16 bishops, 15 knights, 12 rooks and 19 pawns. The intricate designs show animals and foliage on the chair-backs. Ornamental high seats were a feature of the great Norse chieftains. It is unknown why the chessmen were buried here; it is thought that a passing merchant may have stashed them, and been unable to return.
The Western Isles were under Norwegian rule for about 200 years till the Treaty of Perth in AD 1266, when they were ceded to King Alexander III of Scotland.
The Lewis Chessmen are on display at the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and the British Museum in London.
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Listen to Lux Illuxit, music for the feast day of St Olav, played on the wire-strung clarsach, or harp, and the gemshorn.
Explore the Lewis Chessmen with the British Museum, elaborately worked chess pieces made from walrus ivory and whales' teeth.
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