A most interesting style of chess set comes from the Moranoa people in the Philippines. Moro sets are so unique because the production of these sets was cut off from the outside world of chess for quite a long time. The style developed independently. To look for influences, one must look back as far as the 16th century when chess was probably introduced to the Philippines. At this time the pieces were turned in simple Muslim designs (here is one of Jon's Muslim sets, for reference; I hope to own one of these someday.) What happened with the knights, however, is incredibly interesting. According to Rick Knowlton, the 'okir' or 'torogan' design is a symbol of good luck. It has been described as a serpent or a representation of the wind or tropical storm. Gareth Williams guesses it may be an incredibly stylized horse's mane and suggests the 'shapes' volcanos and eathquakes as well. I disagree with the horse's mane theory as horses were not represented in Muslim sets. I don't believe the Moranao people saw knights represented as horses until well after their knights were represented with the okir design. Wind, water, fire, serpent, or some combination of all of these, the Moro knights are truly beautiful and unique. I have only one Moro set at this time, but I have seen several. Always the knight is recognizable as the okir shape, but never is it is exactly the same as the knight of another set. I imagine perhaps some identical sets have been made; it's just I have never seen any two exactly alike. It's a great thing, the Moro knight.
I acquired a Moro set on eBay from the seller Yolac1981 in the Philippines. I would recommend this seller to others. The pieces are made from ebony and banta wood. Many of these sets are made with one side carved from water buffalo horn. I believe this set comes from the early-mid 20th century. That is only a guess. If anyone has any information about this set, I'd love to hear it: email me.
The Moro chess set.
The black king looks on.
White pieces.
Sunlight catches a white knight...
...while a black knight hides in shadow. Meanwhile the dark-square bishops stare each other down.
Representative shot.
Four knights.