Brass chess pieces depicting Incan Gods

Description:	Although played all over the world, chess is often considered a royal game because it was regularly played by the kings and nobles of feudal Europe. It probably originated as a war game in India during the 17th century (known as chaturanga). From India, it made its way to Persia and was then brought to Europe by the Arab conquerors of medieval Spain. The Vikings may have learned chess from the Persians, but their trade routes extended the game through Russia, Sweden, Baghdad and Constantinople. It was popular during the Middle Ages, but it was only from the 18th century onwards that chess became an international activity dominated by masters who traveled throughout the world to compete in international competitions. These competitions became increasingly popular during the 19th century. Chess sets come in many different materials, shapes, and sizes. This particular set was made out of brass by Peruvian artisans to represent ancient Incan gods.
Source:	http://www.digitalindy.org/cdm/ref/collection/tcm/id/316
Collection:	The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
Rights:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/;
Copyright:	Creative Commons (CC By-SA 3.0);
Geography:	Peru
Subjects:	Chess Incas Inca mythology Peru Games Incas--Peru Incas--Religion

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