Medieval Chess Figurine Discovered in Family Residence After 200 Years, Appraised at Almost $1 Million
### The Mysterious Lewis Chessmen: A Medieval Gem Rediscovered
The **Lewis Chessmen**, unearthed in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland’s rugged Outer Hebrides, rank among the most famous and enigmatic artifacts from the medieval period. Celebrated not solely for their craftsmanship but also for the intriguing enigma surrounding their provenance and purpose, these remarkable chess pieces provide significant insights into Europe’s cultural and historical narrative. While the majority of the set is exhibited at the British Museum in London and the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, one missing piece—a brave warder or rook—emerged from an Edinburgh residence in 2019, rekindling global interest in this ancient chess collection.
#### **Unearthed in Scotland, Crafted in Norway**
The Lewis Chessmen—originally consisting of 93 pieces—were found buried in a sand dune on the Isle of Lewis, presumably hidden to keep them secure or forgotten through the ages. The chess set features exquisitely carved seated kings and queens, sincere bishops, mounted knights, steadfast warders (rooks), and pawns—each intricately carved from walrus ivory or whale teeth. Numerous scholars suggest that the set was made in **Trondheim, Norway**, sometime between the late 12th and early 13th centuries. At that time, the Isle of Lewis was part of the Kingdom of Norway, thereby establishing a robust link to Scandinavian artistry.
These elegantly crafted chess pieces are frequently viewed as more than mere gaming objects. They are characterized as “a reflection of medieval society,” illustrating the social structure and roles of medieval individuals, from the noble kings and queens to the heavily armored warders defending their land. The expressive visages and elaborate detailing render them not only notable historical relics but also a lens into the artistic inclinations of the era.
#### **Rediscovery of a Lost Warrior**
The recent unearthing of a missing Lewis Chessman made news headlines internationally. The piece—a warder, akin to a rook on contemporary chessboards—had been unknowingly stored in a drawer for many years by an Edinburgh family. Standing at 3.5 inches (8.8 cm) tall, this warrior figure, fashioned from walrus ivory, is adorned with a helmet, shield, and sword. It exudes an aura of resilience and strength, fitting for its role in the feudal game of chess.
The family’s grandfather, an antiques dealer, acquired the warder for £5 (approximately £130/$159 today) from another dealer in 1964, oblivious to its genuine significance. Cherished for its distinct appearance but not acknowledged for its historical value, the piece remained tucked away for 55 years. It wasn’t until the family took it to Sotheby’s auction house for a complimentary appraisal that its remarkable identity was unveiled. Alexander Kader, the expert who evaluated the piece, described the moment of realization as astonishing. “It’s a little bit bashed up. It has lost its left eye. But that kind of weather-beaten, weary warrior added to its charm,” he remarked.
At auction in 2019, the piece realized an astonishing **£735,000 (nearly $899,000)**, far surpassing its initial estimate. The anonymous bidder left with a slice of history, while historians and chess aficionados worldwide reveled in the reappearance of this long-forgotten artifact.
#### **The Importance of the Lewis Chessmen**
The rediscovery of the warder underscores the lasting fascination with the Lewis Chessmen. These pieces have long symbolized the intersection of art, culture, and utility. More than just instruments for a game, they provide a vivid portrayal of medieval existence:
– **Artistic Mastery**: The intricate craftsmanship of the Lewis Chessmen emphasizes the remarkable artistry of medieval Norway. The pieces are notable not only for their precise carvings but also for the character and humor conveyed in some of the expressions. For example, some kings seem grave and contemplative, while others appear almost comically startled.
– **Cultural Representation**: The Chessmen depict the feudal hierarchy of medieval society. The kings are at the forefront, supported by queens and bishops resembling counselors, knights on horseback symbolizing military strength, and warders portrayed as foot soldiers or castle guards. Even the pawns, simple and unembellished, suggest the role of ordinary people in medieval life.
– **Mystery and Curiosity**: What prompted the Chessmen’s concealment? Were they forgotten amidst a period of turmoil, or were they in transit to a new owner, only to be left behind for unknown reasons? These inquiries have captivated historians for over a century.
#### **The Missing Pieces**
Of the original 93 pieces, 82 are located in the British Museum, and 11 can be found in the National Museum of Scotland. Five pieces remain elusive, even following the warder’s rediscovery. Their absence contributes to the sense of intrigue surrounding the