Indigenous chess set
Oil paint, lacquer, wood; h. 9.5 cm (king), anonymous, 20th century
Photograph by M.O.G.G., 2013

A crowd of carved wooden chess pieces—bishops, pawns, kings, and rooks—crafted in Ecuador and reimagined as villagers, elders, community leaders, and llamas, each painted in bold reds, soft creams, and deep blues. Dressed in ponchos, embroidered shawls, and head coverings, the figures reflect the highland communities of the region and their centuries-old textile traditions. The set draws on Indigenous carving techniques and a heritage that evolved over generations, influenced during the colonial period when artisans began creating figures for both ceremonial and everyday use.