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https://theconversation.com/how-medieval-chess-created-a-space-in-which-players-regardless-of-race-could-engage-as-equals-279132>
"In the medieval European imagination, racial difference was often highly
polarised. Black people were perceived either as exotic status symbols –
including saints and wealthy rulers such as the Queen of Sheba – or as
subjugated figures, considered inferior to white Christians.
Yet, as my research demonstrates, the game of chess offered an alternative
lens, creating a space in which players – regardless of their skin colour –
could engage as equals.
Evidence from the
Libro de Axedrez, Dados e Tablas (Book of Chess, Dice and
Tables), a gaming manual completed for King Alfonso the Wise in Seville in
1283, reinforced my idea. The manuscript contains 103 chess problems, each of
which is accompanied by text revealing the winner and an image. These
illustrations show a wide array of figures, ranging from Jewish men to Muslim
women. They include Asian, white and Black players.
One of its most striking illustrations shows a Black and a pale-skinned player
facing each other across a chessboard. The latter has a shaved head, showing
that he is a learned cleric. Yet, despite this signifier of intelligence, the
text reveals that the Black player will win. In the “game of logic”, the
triumph will be achieved by demonstrating superior strategic skills. The
player’s mental prowess matters above all. As the
Libro de Axedrez reasons,
chess is an embodiment of wisdom, and those who study it become able to conquer
others.
Another image in the manuscript shows five Black people framing the chessboard.
In western medieval visual culture, scenes with only Black figures are rare and
typically have negative connotations. However, this particular image envisions
them in a highly intellectualised setting and in a seemingly amicable
atmosphere.
While chess did not eradicate the dominant social norms when it came to race,
it did empower players to challenge them within its own ludic realm."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
