Khasi Heritage Travel Chess Set

Product Design / Industrial Design/ Craft Design

1 October 2024

STEP 1

The Problem Statement

A conceptual idea of introducing a Khasi layered approach to form and symbolism led to the emergence of the Khasi Heritage Travel Chess Set.

The work is a contemporary interpretation, a study in form and therefore is not tied to a traditionally known name. It however draws inspiration from the Khasi tribe of Meghalaya.

STEP 2

The Design Question

How might we reinterpret chess through Khasi cultural forms and symbolism while preserving familiarity for players?

STEP 3

Research Insights

Our Insights

Chess offers a familiar framework that can be reimagined through cultural form and symbolism
Parallels of Chess with Khasi culture - The Queen being the ruler of the board and the Woman being a central figure in the Matrilineal roots of the Khasis is an example of unexpected parallels between the game of Chess and the Khasi identity. Similarly, the Knight is represented by its counterpart- a Rooster, a sacred animal in Khasi belief systems and folklore.
Craft-led objects carry a sense of permanence, value and emotional connection absent in mass-produced alternatives
India’s established chess-making hubs provide the technical expertise and material knowledge required for high-quality production

STEP 4

The Design Solution

A craft-led chess set that reinterprets the game through Khasi-inspired forms, translating cultural symbolism into tactile, sculptural pieces.

The set is artisanally crafted in India’s chess hubs using boxwood and sheesham, combining precision carving with material richness. Designed to be portable and enduring, it functions as both a game and a collectible craft object.

STEP 5

Outcome

A playable cultural artifact that bridges cultural narrative and traditional craftsmanship, offering a meaningful alternative to standard chess products.

It positions the object not just as a game, but as a collectible artefact—appealing to collectors, enthusiasts and audiences who value heritage, materiality and longevity.