12th Century chess piece found in iceland
Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2011

Hi everyone,


A chess piece cut out of herringbone was among the objects found in an archeology expedition at Siglunes by Siglufjordur. According Fréttabladid team leader Birna Lárusdóttir thinks that most likely the piece was cut out in Iceland in the 12th or 13th century. The group found remains of camps for fishermen in the area, which is now in danger because of waves breaking down the coast.

Siglunes is the farm of Thormódur rammi, the first settler in Siglufjördur according to Landnáma, the Book of Settlements in Iceland. The chess piece was wearing a helmet and weapons. Read more about the excavations at this link.
From Alexandra Kosteniuk’s
Also see her personal blog at