Originating in 12th Century Norway, the Lewis Chessmen are a group of 78 chess pieces, carved from walrus ivory, which were discovered in 1831 in Uig on the west side of the Isle of Lewis. The island was ruled by Norway in the 12th Century. The Lewis Chessmen are housed in the British Museum, London and 6 of the pieces are now on permanent loan to Museum Nan Eilean.