The Chessboard & Materials

• Koto and cherry wood: The board's dual tones reflect contrast and harmony - much like the transition from apartheid to democracy.
• Resin and stone frame: Solid, weighty, and enduring, echoing the permanence of Robben Island's history.
• Oil and acrylic paint: Combining richness and vibrancy, symbolizing both the pain of struggle and the brightness of freedom.

The Pieces & Symbolism

• Nelson Mandela as King: His kingship derives from defeating apartheid, embodying leadership and resilience.
• Winnie Mandela as Queen: Representing democracy's fierce protector, standing opposite Mrs. De Klerk - a reminder of the tension between old and new orders.
• Bishop Tutu as Bishop: The peacemaker, countering Pik Botha, symbolizing moral authority against political power.
• Lighthouse vs Church: A duel of guidance - secular light versus spiritual sanctuary.
• Journalists as Knights: Guardians of truth, preserving history against Eugene Terre'Blanche's extremism.
• Prisoner pawns: Quarry workers, embodying sacrifice, facing off against guards - the frontline of oppression and resistance.
• This set isn't just a game - it's a political narrative carved in wood and stone. Every move reenacts South Africa's journey: prisoners advancing against guards, truth challenging propaganda, peace confronting violence, and democracy rising from struggle.

What's in the box
2 x Kings (Nelson Mandela vs FW De Klerk)
2 x Queens (Winnie Mandela vs Mrs De Klerk)
4 x Bishops (Bishop Tutu vs Pik Botha)
4 x Castle (Journalist vs Eugene Terre'Blanche)
4 x Knights (Lighthouse Vs Church)
16 x Pawns/Guards/Prisoners