In the early 1800s; on a Hebridean beach in Scotland; the sea exposed an ancient treasure cache: 93 chessmen carved from walrus ivory. Norse netsuke; each face individual; each full of quirks; the Lewis Chessmen are probably the most famous chess pieces in the world. Harry played Wizards Chess with them in Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone. Housed at the British Museum; they are among its most visited and beloved objects.Questions abounded: Who carved them? Where? Nancy Marie Browns Ivory Vikings explores these mysteries by connecting medieval Icelandic sagas with modern archaeology; art history; forensics; and the history of board games. In the process; Ivory Vikings presents a vivid history of the 400 years when the Vikings ruled the North Atlantic; and the sea-road connected countries and islands we think of as far apart and culturally distinct: Norway and Scotland; Ireland and Iceland; and Greenland and North America. The story of the Lewis chessmen explains the economic lure behind the Viking voyages to the west in the 800s and 900s. And finally; it brings from the shadows an extraordinarily talented woman artist of the twelfth century: Margret the Adroit of Iceland.
#2029123 in eBooks 2015-01-19 2015-01-19File Name: B00T196XES
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great Hometown ResorceBy Reta MuellemannThis series of books are an excellent resource when information on a town or region interest you. Excellent photos and chronological information.
