The Chessmen represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made in Scotland. This new exhibition casts fresh light on their significance and explores their possible origins. The Lewis chessmen were found hidden on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, in the early nineteenth century. Probably made in Norway around 1150-1200 AD, they consist of elaborately worked walrus ivory in the form of seated kings and queens, mitred bishops, knights on their mounts, standing warders and pawns. The exhibition takes a lively look at the many theories surrounding the ownership of the pieces, why they were hidden and how exactly they were discovered, and places them in the wider context of the ancient game of chess and secular culture in the Middle Ages. The Chessmen represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made in Scotland. The exhibition casts fresh light on their significance and explores their possible origins.
