Chess Museum Kit: Playing Chess with Cycladic Figurines

A chess set featuring Cycladic figurines is the new museum kit titled “Playing Chess with Cycladic Figurines,” created by the Museum of Cycladic Art. The new museum kit is aimed at primary and secondary school students and is offered for free as lending material to schools.

The “Chess” set includes chessboards, classic chess pieces, and pieces inspired by Cycladic Culture, educational instructions, information about the history of chess, information about Cycladic Culture, ideas and suggestions for activities, and a world map. Teachers can use it in the classroom in conjunction with the school curriculum to teach the history of chess, to teach children how to play chess, and to implement various other activities related to chess and Cycladic Culture.

In addition to the game and its rules, children will learn a brief history of chess and understand the historical and geographical context in which it was created. They will also realize that problems and conflicts between people and nations can be resolved peacefully, while also reflecting on social stereotypes about gender through comparisons with the different roles of the chess pieces. They will also understand that chess touches on many issues related to religion, art, and social anthropology, thus coming into contact with the perceptions and daily habits of different peoples in different times. Finally, they will learn about the culture of the Cyclades and create their own figurine pieces.

No knowledge of the rules of the game is necessary for children to use the museum kit.

Supported by Raycap

Chess is an ancient strategic war game. It develops memory and combinatorial ability, requires healthy competition, enhances imagination and creativity, and requires neither luck nor strength. According to recent research, chess was invented in India in the 7th century. It quickly spread to many peoples who loved it and added their own elements to this popular game. Over time, chess changed its form, and the pieces were adapted according to the aesthetic and artistic pursuits of different cultures.

The interculturality of chess and its diffusion almost worldwide are the elements that make it particularly beloved. Chess can easily be connected to the school curriculum and adapted to the needs of many subjects.

The Museum kits are mostly lent to schools. They may also be “adopted” by an institution, company or individual to be offered to a school, university, foundation, or other institution.

In Greece
The Cycladic Museum kits have traveled across most parts of Greece. Some have also been given to institutions such as libraries, museums, and schools.

Abroad
Museum kits may be found abroad in Schools, Universities, Consulates and Embassies in the USA, Canada, Europe, Zimbabwe, and Hong Kong.