DOHA: The ‘Kings & Pawns: Board Games from India to Spain’ exhibition opened yesterday at Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
It explores the origins of some of the world’s most beloved board games, and their journey across the Islamic world between the seventh and 20th centuries.
Curated by William Greenwood, Curator for Central Islamic Lands at MIA, the expo showcases game pieces, boards, manuscripts and other historical objects associated with chess, backgammon, pachisi (ludo) and gyan chaupar (snakes and ladders).
MIA has invited visitors to examine the ways in which these games have changed over the centuries, and how they provided mental stimulation and even helped explain religious principles.
From the bold forms of carved rock crystal chess pieces, dice made of gold and diamonds to backgammon boards made of delicately inlaid wood and ivory, every piece in the exhibition is a masterpiece in its own right.
“Each object is as remarkable for its historical significance as for its aesthetic appeal and supports MIA’s core value of exploring our shared past to illuminate our shared future,” said H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani, Chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority.
Beyond the historical and artistic focus, a further aim of the expo is to allow people to rediscover complex games of strategy and chance, inspiring them to look afresh at apparently old-fashioned pastimes in an era of electronic diversions.
Aisha Al Khater, MIA Director, said, “Hopefully the exhibition will encourage visitors to discover, or re-discover the pleasure of these games, both ancient and modern.”
The collection of objects on display is from MIA and other Qatari institutions, supplemented by items provided by lenders from Kuwait, New York, London, Moscow and Madrid.
Visitors also have an opportunity to learn more about these objects and the themes of the exhibition through a commemorative catalogue available at MIA Gift Shop.
Running until June 21, the expo has a line-up of activities from live chess matches and art workshops to film screenings and tours.
For the first time, live chess games will be happening at MIA’s atrium, featuring the country’s greatest players from Qatar Chess Association and human figurines. The matches will be held from 2.30pm on April 5 and 19 and May 3 and 10.
Lectures will be held at the exhibition featuring speakers, including Dr Irving Finkel of the British Museum, Dr Deborah Freeman of Dar Al Athar Al Islamiyyah in Kuwait, and computer scientist and author Dr Feng-Hsiung Hsu.
There will also be a chance to sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour of MIA’s conservation lab and the exhibition with Greenwood.
A premiere screening of Kings and Queens of Qatar, a documentary on Qatar National Chess teams competing at the 2012 World Chess Olympiad will be held on March 26, followed by a Q&A with filmmakers and Mohamad Al Modiahki, Qatar’s first Chess Grandmaster. A short edit of the film is also included in the expo. The Peninsula
