Black 100% cotton shirt with white screen printed image. Available in sizes up to 4XL.
The stunning and rather unnerving image on this shirt is based on one of the collection of Lewis chess pieces held at the British Museum.
All the evidence suggests the chess pieces and the Berserker included were made in Norway around AD 1150-1200. They were found on The Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides in the early 19th century. Carved out of walrus ivory or whale's teeth this particular piece was one of 78 found.
As for the subject matter - the Berserker - these warriors formed a distinct class of Norse Warrior who are reported as achieving a trance like state before battle (possibly with the help of Fly Agaric and alcohol), before being let loose on the opposition.
Below is a description of the Berserkers found in an Icelandic Saga written in 13th century
"His men rushed forwards without armour, were as mad as dogs or wolves, bit their shields, and were as strong as bears or oxen, and killed people at a blow, but neither fire or iron told upon them"
