Chess Pieces Made On The Streets Of Morocco

A woodworker in Marrakesh creates a chess piece (a King, specifically) using a skew chisel, a bow lathe and his hands and feet. At one point it looks as though he has made some sort of error; one of the lines is askew, at odds with the rest. It is only a short time later that you realize that what he’s done is carved a free-floating ring! Simply astonishing. I’ve watched this video three times now and each time I am blown away by the man’s proficiency.

Via The Daily What : Make : Reddit

Posted by Ross Rosenberg on October 27th, 2011
Filed under Art, Sculpture, Technology

4 Responses to “Chess Pieces Made On The Streets Of Morocco”

  1. Cass Says:
    October 30th, 2011 at 11:41 pm

    Love this! Fantastic to see use of such simple tools by a skilled craftsman.

  2. G Says:
    October 31st, 2011 at 6:43 am

    This was wonderful to watch and such a beautiful finished piece. Thanks, Ross.

  3. carol Says:
    November 11th, 2011 at 12:15 am

    WOW! Toes like fingers, amazing!

  4. Emera Says:
    November 23rd, 2011 at 1:22 pm

    Hypnotic, and so pleasingly tactile to watch. I love seeing the chisel eat into the wood. Thanks for sharing!