The British Museum grant funds a groundbreaking three-year project (2024-2027) aimed at conducting the first comprehensive study of the Lewis chess pieces. These iconic 12th-century artefacts, made from walrus ivory and whale tooth, were discovered on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Likely crafted in Norway or Iceland, the pieces hold immense cultural and historical value, providing insights into medieval art, society, and resource use. The research combines advanced scientific techniques such as DNA, radiocarbon, and stable isotope analysis with curatorial and historical studies.
The project seeks to answer critical questions about the chess pieces, including how they were made, how their materials were sourced, and how their burial affected their condition. It will also explore the broader context of walrus ivory trade and exploitation of Arctic resources during the medieval period. A multidisciplinary approach will be employed, involving X-ray imaging, 3D mapping of the pieces, and a comparative study of their stylistic features and material origins.
Led by experts from the museum and external collaborators, such as Professor James Barrett of NTNU Trondheim, the project will involve international research visits and collaborative efforts with other institutions. Public engagement is a key focus, with plans for updated museum displays, a scholarly conference, and a public lecture. Findings will be disseminated through academic articles, a popular book, museum blogs, and social media content, ensuring wide accessibility.
Key milestones include conservation assessments, analysis of samples, scientific lab work, and the creation of new displays in the British Museum's Medieval Europe gallery. The project will culminate in a refreshed and enriched interpretation of the Lewis chess pieces, bringing to life their intricate craftsmanship and their role in the medieval world for both scholars and the public.
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