Lewis Chessmen Tory Talayi
THAT ART HISTORIAN www.THATarthistorian.com
1 The Lewis Chessmen
became part of Scotland. A
On the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, along the Uig Bay, a batch of chess pieces were discovered under a dune, in a stone carrying case, in 1831. There were several dozen intricately carved pieces made completely out of walrus tusks and whale’s teeth. The origins of the Lewis Chessmen are still unclear. They were allegedly found by a traveling peasant. There is compelling evidence that no matter their origin, they were associated with wealth. Crafting the chessmen would have required great skill and time to complete. Studying objects of art from different time periods tell us about the objects culture, furthering our understanding of the past. The Lewis Chessmen illustrate aspects of Scandinavian culture, craftsmanship, and the influence of gaming, and how it all fits in the larger context of the medieval world. The chessmen testify to the strong cultural connection between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe in the Middle Ages.
Figure 1- Lewis Chessmen, 12th--early 13th Century, The British Museum of Art, Walrus Ivory & Whale's Teeth
theory exists that a ship was wrecked and the dealer or merchant that was traveling with the chessmen buried them in the sand in order to avoid paying the taxes for landed goods. There is evidence that the chessmen have ties to the city of Trondheim, because there are broken remnants of the queen chess piece that were uncovered in Trondheim in an archbishops palace.2 The queen chess piece has a distinguishable facial expression suggesting uneasiness and concern, which is easily distinguishable, further giving evidence that it could have ties to the city of Trondheim. The shields and armor of the knights link it to the Scandinavians, further demonstrating their geographical origin. The origin of the chess
The Lewis Chessmen were made sometime between 1150-1200 CRE [Figure 1]. It is assumed
pieces is likely to be from a place that had access to walrus tusk, skilled craftsman, and money.
that they originated in Trondheim, Norway. The Isle of Lewis used to be ruled by Scandinavia, and was associated with the Kingdom of the Isles, which pledged allegiance to Norway.1 It was not until 1266 that the Kingdom of Isles
Chess was a war game that originated in India in the sixth century. The earliest mention of a game resembling what has come to be known as modern day chess, was written in India in the sixth century. The Indians called the game Chaturanga. It traveled to Europe via Persia and
2 Arabia. The Catholic church attempted to ban
and white, rather than the traditional black and
the game, but to no avail. Its popularity spread
white used today.7
far and wide. Ironically, many clergymen were among those spending time playing chess. In 1061, Cardinal Damiani of Ostin forbade the clergy from playing chess. He died in 1072, thus chess playing was again resumed. Ultimately, by 1115, the Byzantine empire was immersed in chess.3
The design of the chessmen drew from twelfth century styles found in church architecture and monuments, in metalwork, and in illuminated manuscripts. The patterns of the chessmen are Romanesque. There is proof in not only the quality, but the quantity that the owner was a person of great status and wealth, because the
The Lewis Chessmen consist of ninety three
chessmen would have been costly to construct.
pieces total: eight kings, eight queens, sixteen
The Lewis Chessmen may have been used for
bishops, fifteen knights, twelve rooks, nineteen
purposes other than gaming. They could have
pawns, and fourteen tablemen.4 The British
been used for trading or to be given as gifts. It
Museum houses eighty two pieces; the National
represents wealth, value and stature. Society on
Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh has the
the Isle of Lewis was similar to the rest of
remaining eleven.5 The craftsmen who made
medieval Europe at the time. There was strong
them had to be very talented to work with
emphasis on trade and agriculture on the Isle.
intricate material, such as walrus tusk and
Culturally, the inhabitants were of Norwegian
whale’s teeth. It is likely that two separate
decent, which is evidenced by the attire of the
craftsmen worked on the set, because of the
knight chess pieces.
variations in facial style and proportions of the figures, this is determined by the height of the kings being from 1.6 inches to 4 inches and queen has a height range of 2.7 inches to 3.7 inches.6 Constructing such small and intricate pieces were especially difficult when working with tusk. A walrus tusk is approximately 14 inches long, and could be used to make several chess pieces. Altogether the complete four sets of pieces would have presumably required thirty to forty walrus tusks. Furthermore, traces of red pigment indicate that the chessmen were red
The knight chess pieces draw from Byzantine and Carolingian equestrian sculptures of Emperors. The knights carry a sword and shield, and sit atop a horse. The horses are miniature when compared proportionally to the knight. The horses had to be smaller to accommodate the knight, whom was not to be larger than the king, yet be bigger than the rooks. A compromise was made by reducing the size of the horse. The style of the figure, and the armor
3 protruding eyes, would have been easily identified as a Berserker at the time. The Berserker chess piece provides us with links to the etymology of the modern language usage of the term “berserk.� Some of the bishops [Figure 3] are standing and others are seated. They are recognized by their Figure 2- Berserker (detail) from the Lewis Chessmen, 12th -- early 13th Century, The British Museum of Art, Walrus Ivory
mitres, and by the croziers they possess. A mitre is reserved by the Catholic church, by Canon law, and presented to Bishops at their
depicted are replications of Norwegian
ceremony of consecration.11 It is the mitres
8
warriors.
worn by the bishops that have helped scholars
The rook pieces are also known as the warders.
and historians date the chessmen. Scholars have
The rooks are identifiable by their helmet,
learned that the pieces were crafted between
shield, and sword. They fall into two categories,
1150 and 1200. A hooked staff, called a crozier,
the traditional warrior, and the Berserker [Figure
carried by the bishops, is similarly portrayed in
2]. Upon observing the chessmen today, the
Romanesque depictions of bishops throughout
Berserker piece provides comic relief for
Europe. A marble relief at Saint Pierre Moissac,
contemporary admirers. He is biting his shield,
in south-western France, Abbot Durandus
and his eyeballs are protruding out of their
[Figure 3], from 1100, has a crozier in hand.12
sockets. Today, this sort of imagery is associated
The crosiers of the Lewis Chessmen also make
with cartoon characters or caricatures, yet at
clear connections to the ornamentation and
the time they were viewed as respected,
styles of the Oseberg Viking Longship,
dangerous warriors. Berserkers were frenzied fighters. Famous in Norse mythology, they were described as fighting uncontrollably, under a trance-like state. They fought ferociously, inspiring fear in their opponents.9 Berserkers often fought in battle naked, or scarcely clothed, and did not feel any pain when wounded. These characteristics gave the Berserker a superhuman reputation.10 The biting of the shield and the
Figure 3- [LEFT] Bishop, Lewis Chessmen, 12th -- early 13th century [RIGHT] Abbot Durandus, Saint Pierre Moissac, 1100, Marble
4 constructed in 815-820 AD.13 A few of the
joke about them having toothaches or worrying
bishop pieces hold books, and others gesture a
about the weather,” said James Robinson, the
blessing with their hand (by the raise of the
British Museum curator of late Medieval
index and middle finger). A gesture that dates
collections, in an interview with Epoch
back to early Christianity, implemented by
Magazine.16 Each Queen chess piece has one
Christ. The Maiestas Domini marble relief at
hand pressed onto her face, and another
Saint Sernin, in Toulouse, France, from 1096,
supporting that hand under her elbow. Other
depicts Christ holding a book, gesturing a
Queens hold a drinking horn. A drinking horn
blessing.14 The Maiestas Domini not only
would have belonged to an upper-class
includes iconography similar to the bishop
individual, and faded away as iconography in
pieces, but also has the wide, protruding eyes,
favor of Christianity grew. The drinking horns
indicating Byzantine influence.
were linked to pagan beliefs and rituals.17 It had a ceremonial function, but was also used for practical use. Many images survive of Scandinavian’s offering and passing drinking cups to each other.18 The twelfth-century Icelandic epic Edda, mentions queens carrying money in horns.19 Drinking horns and crosier’s existing together in a set, demonstrate a blend of Christian and pagan culture. Bracelets
Figure 4 - Queens, Lewis Chessmen, 12th -- early 13th Century, British Museum of Art, Walrus Ivory
decorate the queen's wrist, and small patterns ornament her sleeve and cloak cuffs. The
The Queens' poses are part of a visual code or
stacked bracelets were a customary
gesture that would likely have been understood
Scandinavian fashion. Arm rings showed wealth,
at the time [Figure 4]. Her glum facial
status, and achievement, and were oftentimes
expression, with her hand on her cheek, could
given as prizes. This tradition was for women,
convey compassion and empathy, which was
and men as well. An individual wearing many
15
understood to be a Queen's duty. Some
arm rings was regarded as very valued and
scholars believe that the queen is meant to give
esteemed. In 936 CRE, an Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
the set comic relief. “The funniest ones are the
describes arm rings in association with the West
queens because they’ve got their chins in their
Saxon army invading a Viking army from Ireland,
hands and they look a little bit fed up. People
testifying that the leader of the warriors was
5 also known as a ring-giver to his men.20 Furthermore, customary to the period’s tradition, the queen wears a veil under her crown, that covers her body, revealing only her hands.
Figure 5- King, Lewis Chessmen, 12th -- early 13th Century, British Museum of Art, Walrus Ivory [Right] Detail, Late 8th Century, Book of Kells, Velum.
There are eight kings in the set total and all are seated on thrones with elaborately carved backings [Figure 5]. They grasp swords that symbolize their strength in war and their justice at home. Their cloaks are pinned up on the right shoulder leaving their right arms free to access the sword at any given moment.21 The kings eyes resemble those of the Berserkers, proclaiming the kings might, strength, and power. The interlacing decorum of the throne is extravagant and complex, resembling the animalistic, and Celtic styles of the Book of Kells [Figure 5]. Scattered throughout are small
overlapping lines, separated into two registers. The king chess piece recalls the Arrest of Christ [Figure 6] page from the Book of Kells, from the late eighth century. Both Christ and the king are seated and hunched over, posturing forward. Both figures have the large protruding eyes and a looming glare that almost make them look mesmerized or entranced. A sword sits across the king’s lap, resembling the swords from The Three Swords Monument in Hafrsfjord, Norway, which is a locally popular site, that still survives today.
figures of animal heads, and intricate At the bottom of the hierarchy, the pawns have no human faces or figurative features. They almost resemble tombs and Egyptian obelisks. The pawns, upon close examination, despite
6
Figure 6 - King, Lewis Chessmen, 12th -- early 13th century, British Museum of Art, Walrus Ivory [Right] Arrest of Christ, Late 8th Century, Book of Kells, Velum
being plain in comparison, are significant due to
the magnificent pieces out of walrus ivory and
their figurative and geometric patterns [Figure
whale’s teeth.22
7]. The nineteen pawns are all abstract, and vary in size. They were created in a very similar style to older Islamic chess pieces [Figure 7]. Islamic art avoided figural depictions, or anything that bared resemblance to it. The pawns also resemble Viking Rune-Stones. Rune-Stones could be large or small, and they had inscriptions on them. They were oftentimes burial monuments. The chessmen are detailed and intricate, and their interweaving style required a master craftsman who could create
In the Medieval ages, kings, queens, knights, bishops, and pawns were identifiable and important personages. The pawns would have represented peasant, that are in the care of the king. In return of the king’s protection, knights and pawns work together to safeguard their king, even at the cost of losing their lives or being captured (also a common move in Chess). Playing chess could be used to enact a battle plan, or even to teach mathematics. Chess pieces had to belong to someone of nobility or
7 great wealth and stature. Therefore, chess was
Margret the Adroit is to scarce to give any solid
not just a pastime sometimes enjoyed, but was a
evidence to Brown’s claims.
clear indicator of the society it which it came from.
The exact story of how the Lewis Chessmen came to be on the Isle of Lewis may not be
The Lewis Chessmen have recently generated
evidently clear, but the impact it has had on the
much controversy. In 2010, Icelandic historian,
area since its discovery, and Scandinavian
chess-player, and engineer Gudmundur
Medieval history is substantial. The importance
Thorarinsson crashed an international
of studying artifacts from different time periods
symposium, dedicated to the Lewis Chessmen,
is essential to our understanding of its society
trying to convince scholars that the chessmen
and culture. Therefore, we can hypothesize that
were the work of a woman carver that was
the Lewis Chessmen have Norwegian
commissioned to create the pieces by an
influence—if not origins—and is from a society
Icelandic bishop. This theory was dismissed at
that depended on trade and travel in a
the event, but it sparked interest to some of the
merchant economy. A system of hierarchy is a
historians present. Nancy Marie Brown
characteristic of that society as well. By studying
published a book titled Ivory Vikings: The
The Lewis Chessmen, we can come to better
Mysteries of the Most Famous Chessmen in the
understand the important role it plays in making
World and the Woman Who Made Them, in
discoveries about culture, economy, and
2015. Brown argues that, based on her
hierarchy. There is proof of a strong influence
extensive knowledge of Icelandic history, that a
from the medieval near-east and west that
bishop named Pall Jonsson of Skalholt,
trickled into the north.
commissioned a woman named Margret the Adroit to carve the Lewis Chessmen.23 “She was considered one of the best artists of her time. The bishop hired her to beautify his church, construct altarpieces and make luxury gifts to send to friends abroad,” proclaims Brown in her book.24 Some of those gifts included figurines that were constructed out of ivory and whale’s teeth. Scholars argue that the information on
Figure 7 - [LEFT] Pawn, Lewis Chessmen, 12th -- early 13th Century, British Museum of Art [Right] Western Islamic Pawn Chess Piece, 9-11th Century, The Metropolitan Museum of Art
8
Notes: Dylan Loeb McClain, “Reopening History of Storied Norse Chessmen,” New York Times, September 8, 2010, accessed March 28, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/arts/09lewis.html? _r=0.
11
Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, The Art of Heraldry. (London:1904), 438.
1
Henry Luttikhuizen and Dorothy Verkerk, Snyder’s Medieval Art. (Upper Saddle River: 2006), 267. 12
13
Rodney Castleden, Vikings: Raiders, Traders, and Masters of the Sea. (New York: 2015), 113.
2
David Shenk, The Immortal Game: A History of Chess or How 32 Carved Pieces on a Board Illuminated Our Understanding of War, Art, Science, and the Human Brain. (New York: 2006), 44.
Henry Luttikhuizen and Dorothy Verkerk, Snyder’s Medieval Art. (Upper Saddle River: 2006), 264. 14
The Isle of Lewis Chessmen. “Design and Form of the Lewis Chessmen.” Accessed April 1, 2016. www.isleoflewischessset.uk/lewis-design.html 15
3
Ibid.
Dylan Loeb McClain, “Reopening History of Storied Norse Chessmen,” New York Times, September 8, 2010, accessed March 28, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/arts/09lewis.html? _r=0. 4
5
Ibid.
6
David Caldwell, Mark Hall, and Caroline Wilkinson, “The Lewis Hoard of Gaming Pieces: A Re-examination of their Context, Meanings, Discovery, and Manufacture,” Medieval Archaeology 54 (2009), 36. Dylan Loeb McClain, “Reopening History of Storied Norse Chessmen,” New York Times, September 8, 2010, accessed March 28, 2016, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/09/arts/09lewis.html? _r=0.
Betsy Kim, “The Lewis Chessmen: Humour is Cultural,” The Epoch Times (2012), 23. 16
17
Vivian Etting, The Story of the Drinking Horn: Drinking Culture in Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. (Copenhagen, 2013), 251-52 18
Rodney Castleden, Vikings: Raiders, Traders, and Masters of the Sea. (New York: 2015), 92. John Fiske, “Pensive Queens and Warrior Bishops,” Antiques Journal (2012), 16. 19
7
The Isle of Lewis Chessmen. “Design and Form of the Lewis Chessmen.” Accessed April 1, 2016. www.isleoflewischessset.uk/lewis-design.html
20
Rodney Castleden, Vikings: Raiders, Traders, and Masters of the Sea. (New York: 2015), 100. John Fiske, “Pensive Queens and Warrior Bishops,” Antiques Journal (2012), 16. 21
8
9
Ibid.
10
Rodney Castleden, Vikings: Raiders, Traders, and Masters of the Sea. (New York: 2015), 30.
The Isle of Lewis Chessmen. “Design and Form of the Lewis Chessmen.” Accessed April 1, 2016. www.isleoflewischessset.uk/lewis-design.html 22
23
Nancy Marie Brown, Ivory Vikings (New York: St Martin’s Press, 2015), 5. 24
Ibid.