Chess set - Groot tribal art Chest game

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Elena Napoleone
Expert
Selected by Elena Napoleone

Holds a bachelor's degree in history of art and architecture, with 12 years of experience in decorative arts.

Estimate  € 200 - € 250
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Description from the seller

Unique 50x50cm African chess set – 36 hand-carved wooden figures – inlaid board with animal engravings – Kenya


Exclusive handcrafted set with large pieces 10-24 cm



Extremely unique Afrikaans chess set, completely handcrafted in Kenya.
This special set consists of 36 expressive wooden figures, each with carefully crafted tribal details and a notably high level of finishing quality.

The king and queen measure approximately 20 cm, which immediately sets this set apart from standard African chess sets. The remaining pieces (10–13 cm) are evenly carved and together form an impressive whole. The four support animals are 23 cm tall.

The chessboard (approximately 50×50 cm) is made of inlaid wooden tiles, with four beautifully engraved African animals on the underside.
A unique feature of this set is that the board is carried by four hand-carved animal figures – two elephants and two giraffes. This makes the chess game not just a game, but an art object that immediately draws attention in any space.

An exceptionally decorative and collectible piece for enthusiasts of African woodcarving, unique chess sets, and exclusive interior objects.


Specifications

36 hand-carved wooden figures

King/Queen: about 20 cm

Other pieces: 10–13 cm

Board: approx. 50×50 cm, inlaid wood.

Four animal engravings on the underside.

Board rust on four animal figures (giraffes & elephants)

Material: hardwood

Origin: Kenya, East Africa

Period: late 20th century, 1970s



Condition

Very good condition.
Completely intact, with no damages.
Will be shipped professionally and with insurance.


Shipping

Careful and fully insured transport.

Attention!
From December 18, 2025, to January 3, 2026, no packages can be shipped due to holiday.

Unique 50x50cm African chess set – 36 hand-carved wooden figures – inlaid board with animal engravings – Kenya


Exclusive handcrafted set with large pieces 10-24 cm



Extremely unique Afrikaans chess set, completely handcrafted in Kenya.
This special set consists of 36 expressive wooden figures, each with carefully crafted tribal details and a notably high level of finishing quality.

The king and queen measure approximately 20 cm, which immediately sets this set apart from standard African chess sets. The remaining pieces (10–13 cm) are evenly carved and together form an impressive whole. The four support animals are 23 cm tall.

The chessboard (approximately 50×50 cm) is made of inlaid wooden tiles, with four beautifully engraved African animals on the underside.
A unique feature of this set is that the board is carried by four hand-carved animal figures – two elephants and two giraffes. This makes the chess game not just a game, but an art object that immediately draws attention in any space.

An exceptionally decorative and collectible piece for enthusiasts of African woodcarving, unique chess sets, and exclusive interior objects.


Specifications

36 hand-carved wooden figures

King/Queen: about 20 cm

Other pieces: 10–13 cm

Board: approx. 50×50 cm, inlaid wood.

Four animal engravings on the underside.

Board rust on four animal figures (giraffes & elephants)

Material: hardwood

Origin: Kenya, East Africa

Period: late 20th century, 1970s



Condition

Very good condition.
Completely intact, with no damages.
Will be shipped professionally and with insurance.


Shipping

Careful and fully insured transport.

Attention!
From December 18, 2025, to January 3, 2026, no packages can be shipped due to holiday.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Nr of items
37
Model/ Name
Groot tribal art Chest game
Country of Origin
Kenya
Condition
Near mint
Height
23 cm
Width
50 cm
Estimated Period
1970-1980
The NetherlandsVerified
73
Objects sold
90.91%
Private

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