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The Lewis Chessmen
Bishop
King
Warder
Height: 4 cm - 10.3 cm
1831,1101.78-144
Room 40: Medieval Europe
Games
The Lewis chessmen
Chess is probably the most successful board game ever invented. It is well over 1000 years old and probably started in India. Two people each lead armies, and need to take the other person's king to win.
These chess pieces are made from carved whale and walrus teeth. Have a look at the picture - can you see the knights, a bishop, warders (or rooks as they are known today), a king, a queen, and two pawns?
What kind of game? Chess is a war game also needing lots of skill.