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Visitors to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh can now see the backs of the Lewis chessmen, allowing for a full appreciation of their intricate design from all angles. The chess set, believed to have originated in Norway in the year 1200, forms part of a large hoard found on the island of Lewis in the early 19th century. The National Museums of Scotland (NMS) contains 11 pieces from the set, with the remaining 82 belonging to the British Museum, although six are currently on loan to the Museum nan Eilean in Lewis.
The chessmen were made using walrus ivory and teeth gleaned from sperm whales, and are renowned for their unique expressions. However, curators argue that the intricate carvings on the back of the pieces are every bit as fascinating as their fronts. Ten of the pieces from the NMS collection have now been redisplayed, together with updated interpretation, lighting and layout.
As well as being beautiful works of art, the Lewis chessmen are seen as objects of great historical importance. They were made during the heyday of the Norse expansion, and are generally held to have been used for chess play in the royal courts of Europe. However, their origins remain something of a mystery, with no known board or game to accompany the pieces.
The newly-redisplayed chess pieces form part of the museum’s continuing refurbishment, which will eventually include new galleries and an updated appearance. The work being carried out is said to give the museum a “new lease of life”, allowing visitors to explore the exhibits from different perspectives, understand the history behind them and, of course, to marvel at their intricate beauty
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