David H. Caldwell, Mark A. Hall, Caroline M. Wilkinson.
The Lewis Chessmen: unmasked.
National Museums Scotland. 2010
One of the most famous treasures to have come out of the ground in Scotland
is a hoard of ivory chessmen and other gaming pieces found in the Isle of Lewis.
The pieces are now divided between National Museums Scotland and the British Museum.
Experts all agree that they are medieval and of Scandinavian origin.
They are remarkably fine pieces of craftsmanship and have fascinated all who see them.
This new account provides an overview of the hoard, the circumstances surrounding its discovery, and the traditions that have grown up around it. The authors also incorporate results from their own recent research which focuses on how, where and when the chessmen were made. Their examination demonstrates how the work of different craftsmen can be recognised, and the answer to the question of who might have owned them is also considered. The result is a celebration of a famous discovery, complete with images of the main pieces.