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Bishop Chess Piece

Bishop Chess Piece. Culture: Scandinavian. Dimensions: Overall: 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 1 7/16 in. (9.6 x 6.3 x 3.6 cm). Date: 1150-1200. The Bishop was introduced to the European chessboard in the 12th century, replacing the elephant of Islamic tradition. The substitution of a man of the church for an animal used in battle may seem curious, but medieval bishops frequently served with armies. That role is not on display here: the smaller figures probably represent men who served the Bishop in ceremony. An official known as a Reader holds the Bishop's book. He has been tonsured--his hair shaven in a circle at the crown of his head. The man holding a staff and cradling his ear may be the Precentor, who was in charge of the choir.
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Title: Bishop Chess Piece
Caption: Bishop Chess Piece. Culture: Scandinavian. Dimensions: Overall: 3 3/4 x 2 1/2 x 1 7/16 in. (9.6 x 6.3 x 3.6 cm). Date: 1150-1200. The Bishop was introduced to the European chessboard in the 12th century, replacing the elephant of Islamic tradition. The substitution of a man of the church for an animal used in battle may seem curious, but medieval bishops frequently served with armies. That role is not on display here: the smaller figures probably represent men who served the Bishop in ceremony. An official known as a Reader holds the Bishop's book. He has been tonsured--his hair shaven in a circle at the crown of his head. The man holding a staff and cradling his ear may be the Precentor, who was in charge of the choir.
Technique/material: walrus ivory
Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
Credit: Album
Releases: ? Model Release: No - ? Property Release: No
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Image size: 2812 × 3862 px | 31.1 MB
Print size: 23.8 × 32.7 cm | 1107.1 × 1520.5 in (300 dpi)
Keywords: ANATOMY: BONES • BONE • CHESSMEN • EUROPE • GAME PIECES • IVORIES-WALRUS • IVORY • MADE IN PROBABLY TRONDHEIM, NORWAY • MEDIEVAL ART • METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK, USA • SCANDINAVIA • WALRUS IVORY