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The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked

Meet the Chessmen

There appear to be four sets of Lewis Chessmen from the hoard of 93 gaming pieces, made up of kings, queens, bishops, knights, warders and pawns. National Museums Scotland owns 11 pieces. Here we take a look at five key figures from our collection.

Lewis Chessmen King

King on throne

Lewis Chessmen King: our unhappy looking King is seated on a throne, holding a scabbard across his knees, right hand on the grip, left hand grasping the blade.

Lewis Chessmen King side view

King on throne

Lewis Chessmen King: he has an open crown with four trefoils and his hair in long braids down his back. He wears a long mantle and underneath he wears a tunic and a vestment with sleeves and slit sides.

Lewis Chessmen Queen

Queen on throne

Lewis Chessmen Queen: our fed up looking Queen is seated on a throne, cradling her chin with her right hand and holding a drinking horn in her left hand.

Lewis Chessmen Queen

Queen on throne

Lewis Chessmen Queen: she is wearing a veil beneath her crown which covers her hair and she is sitting on a throne decorated with delicate foliage design.

Lewis Chessmen Bishop

Bishop

Lewis Chessmen Bishop: is standing whilst giving a blessing with his right hand. On his head he wears a mitre and holds a crosier in his left hand.

Lewis Chessmen Bishop

Bishop

Lewis Chessmen Bishop: over his shoulders he wears a floor length cope - similar to those worn by the clergy today.

Lewis Chessmen Berserker

Beserker

Lewis Chessmen Berserker: according to Old Norse literature, berserkers were notorious as fighting uncontrollably in a trance like state. Notice how our Berserker has bulging staring eyes and angrily bites his shield ready for action!

Lewis Chessmen Knight

Knight

Lewis Chessmen Knight: wears a protective coat, divided at the front and back for ease of movement. He carries a kite shaped shield and a lance ready for battle and sits on a horse which which looks like the size of a Shetland pony!

The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked is supported by:

The British Museum Partnership UKScottish Government Logo

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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130