Al-Andalus
Materials: Wood, metal, resin, chalk, year: 2015
With her triangular chess set, inspired by Moorish geometric patterns, Siba Sahabi refers to the extraordinary history of a game which has evolved through the interweaving of Eastern and Western influences.Chess is one of the world’s most popular games and one of the oldest
board games. The word ‘chess’ derives from the Persian word ‘shah’ which
means ‘king’. Although there is little known about its early history,
chess is believed to have originated in India (280–550 CE). The game
then spread from the Middle East throughout Europe via Italy and Spain
in the 11th century, among others though the Muslim cultural domain of
Spain and Portugal (‘Al-Andalus’ 711–1492). The current form of chess
was developed in Spain in the 16th century when the queen became the
most powerful piece; able to move any number of squares vertically,
horizontally or diagonally. With the birth of the queen, the game has
gained tremendous popularity.
In 1971, Robert Zubrin invented a new variation of the game, which can be played by three parties. Siba Sahabi developed her geometric design for this so-called ‘trichess’ by taking inspiration from Moorish patterns found in Andalusian architecture.
In 1971, Robert Zubrin invented a new variation of the game, which can be played by three parties. Siba Sahabi developed her geometric design for this so-called ‘trichess’ by taking inspiration from Moorish patterns found in Andalusian architecture.
The 48 pawns of the game are made from a mix
of resin and chalk and have the appearance of stone. The over-sized
chess game includes a magnetic system that allows for hanging the
centrepiece on a wall.
Numerous medieval paintings show that the intellectual game was not only reserved for men but also played by women, in addition to being a popular pastime among all classes of society. In the short film (see below), three performers represent the different religious groups of Al-Andalus—Jews, Christians and Muslims. The women sit together around the three-cornered chess table and play a game that can never be won be won and ends in a tie.
Limited edition of: 5 + 1 AP
photography by Arjan Benning
Contact for price
Numerous medieval paintings show that the intellectual game was not only reserved for men but also played by women, in addition to being a popular pastime among all classes of society. In the short film (see below), three performers represent the different religious groups of Al-Andalus—Jews, Christians and Muslims. The women sit together around the three-cornered chess table and play a game that can never be won be won and ends in a tie.
Limited edition of: 5 + 1 AP
photography by Arjan Benning
Contact for price
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