Early Islamic Ivory Chess Pieces Discovered in Samarkand

 

These carved figurines are Early Islamic ivory chess pieces, discovered in Samarkand (modern-day Uzbekistan) during an excavation in 1977. Dated to the 8th century (700s CE), they are among the oldest surviving chess pieces in the world.

Material: Ivory (traced back to India, highlighting early trade connections).

Origin: Excavated in Samarkand, a major cultural and trading hub on the Silk Road.

Era: Early Islamic period (~8th century).

Significance

These pieces represent the early spread of chess from India and Persia into the Islamic world.

Their zoomorphic and abstract design reflects the Islamic world's gradual movement away from figural representation in art (as religious influence grew).

They offer a rare glimpse into how chess was played, visualized, and valued over 1,200 years ago.