Lewis Chessmen

The Lewis Chessmen are a group of elaborately carved walrus ivory and whales' teeth chess pieces, believed to have been crafted in the 12th century in Norway. Discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland's Outer Hebrides, the collection comprises 93 pieces, representing kings, queens, knights, bishops, rooks, and pawns. Their distinctive and detailed craftsmanship highlights the art and culture of the Norse world during the Viking Age. The majority of the pieces are housed in the British Museum in London, with the remainder in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.