The Lewis chessmen (Scottish Gaelic: Fir-thàilisg Leòdhais [fiɾʲˈhaːlɪʃkʲ loː.ɪʃ]) or Uig chessmen, named after the island or the bay where they were found, [1] are a group of distinctive 12th-century chess pieces, along with other game pieces, most of which are carved from walrus ivory.

In 2001, the Lewis chess pieces reached new audiences with the release of the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Sorcerer’s Stone in the American release). Harry and Ron play wizard’s chess, where the pieces are enchanted and move by themselves.

The Lewis Chessmen discovered on the Isle of Lewis were shown in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1831 for the first time. Handcrafted from walrus tusks and whale teeth in the 12th century, these pieces have now become iconic representations of our lifelong passion for war games today.

Mar 16, 2021 · As it turns out, medieval Europe was ahead of the game by about eight hundred years with what later became the world’s most famous chess pieces, the Lewis Chessmen. Join us as we reveal the secrets of these most enigmatic players.

Dec 9, 2024 · Among the oldest and most famous chess pieces in the world, are the Lewis Chessmen. These unique artifacts, dating to around A.D. 1150-1200, were discovered on the windswept Isle of Lewis in...

Nov 8, 2023 · Here are 12 facts about these Viking -age treasures. 1. No one knows who discovered the Lewis Chessmen—or how. According to Ivory Vikings: The Mystery of the Most Famous Chessmen in the World...

The Lewis Chessmen, or Uig Chessmen, [1] are 78 12th-century chess pieces, most of which are carved in walrus ivory. The hoard was discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. [2] They may be some of the few complete, surviving medieval chess sets. [3] .

The Lewis Chessmen (or Uig Chessmen if you are from the West Side of the island) are among the best loved archaeological treasures in Britain. Copies have long been popular among chess players, giant carvings dot the landscape throughout Lewis, but their global fame is in no small part due to being featured in a Harry Potter film!

Jan 24, 2019 · In 1831, a small wooden trove was discovered in a "kirst" (a stone tomb) on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland ’s Outer Hebrides. Inside the trove were 78 figurines portraying warriors, kings,...

Mar 26, 2025 · The Lewis Chessmen are a remarkable collection of medieval chess pieces discovered in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. These artefacts were intricately carved from walrus ivory and whale teeth and are believed to have been made in the 12th century, possibly in Trondheim, Norway. How did the British Museum acquire…