Ebony Wood Chess Set – Hand Carved African Chess from Uganda
An ebony wood chess set from Uganda is one of the most luxurious and unique souvenirs you can bring home from East Africa. Hand-carved by master craftsmen from dense, dark ebony and contrasting mvule or pale hardwood, these chess sets replace traditional European chess pieces with African wildlife figures – making every game a celebration of Uganda’s natural world.
African Wildlife Chess Pieces
Rather than kings, queens, bishops, and pawns, Ugandan wildlife chess sets feature carvings inspired by the animals of the African savannah and forest:
- King – silverback mountain gorilla or lion
- Queen – elephant or female lion
- Bishops – giraffes or zebras
- Knights – rhinoceroses or hippos
- Rooks – traditional African huts or baobab trees
- Pawns – small gorillas, monkeys, or tribal figures
One side is carved from dark ebony; the opposing side from light mvule or ivory-coloured hardwood, creating a striking visual contrast on the board.
The Board
Chess boards are typically made from alternating squares of dark and light hardwood, inlaid and polished to a smooth playing surface. Many sets come with a storage box built into the board, where pieces are stored underneath a hinged lid.
Price and Availability
Ebony chess sets are a premium souvenir, priced from $60 for basic sets to $200+ for elaborately carved, large sets. Available at the Uganda Arts and Crafts Village in Kampala and specialist wood-carving cooperatives. A truly exceptional gift for chess players and Africa lovers alike.