Kings & Pawns — exhibition on board games opens today at MIA

The exhibition explores the origins of some of the world’s most beloved board games, and their journey across the Islamic world between the seventh and twentieth centuries.

Curated by William Greenwood, curator for Central Islamic Lands at MIA, Kings & Pawns showcases an array of game pieces, boards, manuscripts and other historical objects associated with chess, backgammon, pachisi (ludo) and gyan chaupar (snakes and ladders).

More than mere pastimes, these games have also created intercultural connections and reflect the societies that created, adopted and adapted them. MIA invites visitors to examine the ways in which these games have changed over the centuries, and how they provided mental stimulation and even helped to 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 Kings & Pawns exhibition is a masterpiece in its own right.

“Each object is as remarkable for its historical significance as for its aesthetic appeal, and supports the Museum of Islamic Art’s core value of exploring our shared past to illuminate our shared future,” said HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad al-Thani, chairperson of Qatar Museums Authority.

The range of objects, representing an historical spread of more than a millennium and pieces from as far apart as India to Spain, will encourage visitors to look carefully and consider the central role of board games in everyday life.

Beyond the historical and artistic focus, a further aim of Kings & Pawns is to allow people to rediscover these complex games of strategy and chance, inspiring them to look afresh at apparently old-fashioned pastimes in an era of electronic diversions.

As MIA director Aisha al-Khater explains: “Hopefully this exhibition will encourage visitors to discover, or re-discover the pleasure of these games, both ancient and modern.”

Kings & Pawns runs until June 21, 2014 in the special exhibition gallery on MIA’s first floor. The collection of objects on display are from MIA and other Qatari institutions, supplemented by pieces generously 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 the MIA Gift Shop.

There is also an exciting line-up of activities for visitors of all ages, with events ranging 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 the Qatar Chess Association and human figurines. These matches will be held from 2.30pm on Saturday, April 5, 19, and May 3 and 10.

A series of lectures will be taking place throughout the course of the exhibition, featuring speakers such as Dr Irving Finkel of the British Museum, Dr Deborah Freeman of the 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 the curator, William Greenwood.

A premiere screening of Kings and Queens of Qatar, a documentary about the Qatar National Chess teams competing at the 2012 World Chess Olympiad, is to be held on March 26. This will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and Mohamed al-Modiahki, Qatar’s first Chess Grandmaster. A short edit of the film is also included in the exhibition.

Entrance to Kings & Pawns is free of charge. For museum hours and more information visit www.mia.org.qa. To inquire about educational programmes, email educationmia@qma.org.qa