ON CHESS
III - Ancient chess-men discovered in the isle of Lewis
In the year 1831 an announcement made in the Scottish newspapers excited the attention of antiquaries to a curious discovery made in Scotland in the Isle of Lewis on the sea-shore, in the parish of Uig, of a considerable number of chess-men of excellent workmanship. They were discovered by a peasant of the island, whilst digging on a sand-bank, near to a ruin of some note, and having been purchased by the Trustees of the British Museum, these figures now form part of our national collection of antiquities, together with a bone or ivory fibula, and fourteen table-men, or draught-men, which were found with them. The chess-men are sixty-seven in number, forming the materials of six or more sets, but the pieces are of such various sizes, that it is difficult to select two sets which correspond exactly. Of the total number, six are kings, five queens, thirteen bishops, fourteen knights, ten warders, and nineteen pawns. The largest king is 41/2; inches high, and 63/4; inches in circumference; the largest queen 37/8 inches in height, and 53/8 in circumference; the largest bishop, knight and warder, (the latter holding the place of the rook or castle,) are respectively 5 inches in height; and the largest pawn 23/8 inches. For the sake of distinction, part of these pieces were originally stained of a dark red or beet-root colour, but from the action of salt-water for many centuries, the colour is in most cases nearly discharged.
There is little variation in the form or attitude of the KINGS. They are all represented as old men with large spade-shaped beards, moustaches, and hair falling in plaits over their shoulders. They have on their heads low quatrefoil crowns, either plain or ornamented with a border, and sit on square-formed chains, having high backs richly carved with various scrolls, figures of animals, intersecting arches, and tracery-work in the best style of art of the twelfth century, as seen on monuments, and in manuscripts. Their dress consists of an upper and an under robe, the former of which, that is, the mantle or clamys, is thrown in folds over each arm, and left open on the right side as high as the shoulder, (where it is fastened by a clasp,) for the purpose of leaving the arm free. Each of the figures holds a sword, with both hands across his knees, as though in the act of drawing it, according to the old mode assigned to royal personages. The swords are broad and short; the scabbards are marked either with a simple longitudinal line, or with lines placed diagonally. In the different figures, there are some slight variations, and in one the hair is not plaited, but spreads over the back in six long wreaths: the ornaments of the chains are also diversified; one of them exhibits an intersection semicircular arches, as seen in some of our early Norman churches.
The QUEENS, who are also crowned, are represented sitting in chairs, ornamented in a style similar to those of the kings. From the back of the head of each hangs a species of hood, which spreads over the shoulders, and accords with what was universally worn by ladies of rank in the middle ages;
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as is proved by manuscripts and monuments of various nations. From the shoulders to the feet hangs a long mantle, which shows in front an under garment or gown. The sleeves of this, like those of the Saxons and Norman-French, are short, with a worked border; and from the elbows to the wrists are a series of plaits, resembling bands, which probably were worn round the arm. Most of these figures are represented in a contemplative posture, the head resting upon the right arm, which is supported by the left. One of them (represented in the cut) holds a curiously-shaped drinking-horn in the left hand. In the different figures there are some variations in the forms of the crowns and hoods: and in one a striped petticoat and the feet are visible, which are covered in other instances: the chair-back of the latter piece furnishes also another example of round and intersecting arches.
The BISHOPS. Five of these pieces are represented in ornamented chairs, and the remaining eight in a standing position. All the sitting figures, and four of the standing ones, wear the chasuble, dalmatic, stole, and tunic, of the form anciently prescribed, and corresponding with representations of much greater antiquity; the remainder have a cope instead of a chasuble, but the stole and dalmatic are omitted. The mitres are very low, and in some instances quite plain, but have the double band, or infulce, attached behind. The hair is cut short round the head. They hold a crosier with one, or with both hands: and in the former instances the other hand holds a book, or is raised in the attitude of benediction. On the backs of the chasuble and stole arc various crosses or ornaments. In the details both of the habits and other work, there are numerous minute variations.
The KNIGHTS are full-length figures mounted on horseback, and are probably the most interesting portion of the whole. They are habited in long coats or gambesons, which descend in folds to the feet; the sleeves have a cuff or border at the wrist. The leg has apparently a covering of some sort down to the ankle, where it is met with a species of half-boot without spur. Their helmets, with a few exceptions, are of a conical shape, and mostly with nasals and round flaps to protect the nose, ears, and neck. All the figures have moustaches and large round beards, except one, which has the beard separated into three forks. A long kite-formed shield, suspended from the neck, hangs on the left side of each, ornamented with various devices, approaching in some instances very closely to heraldic distinctions. Beneath the shield appears the sword, which is fastened round the waist by a belt, and in the right hand each knight carries a massive spear. The horses are caparisoned in high saddles, plain or ornamented; saddle-cloths curiously bordered; stirrups and bridles; the mane is cut short, and the hair suffered to grow down on the forehead. On one side of the shields is a cross, bearing a lozenge, plain; on another is an ornamented lozenge; and the remainder are variously indented with crosses and other ornaments.
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Chess Archeology 
