Chessmen (31) Burmese 18th–19th century Although both sides were left the natural color, they are distinguishable by the form of the pieces. On the "good" side, the elephant (bishop) and horse (knight) have monkey riders, whereas on the "evil" side they are without. The "good" king is a protective spirit, and the "evil" one a demon. The black pawns are also demons, and the white pawns are monkeys. The rooks are chariots. Monkeys are used on the "good" side because in the Far East they were thought to have the power to drive away or prevent the evil influences of wicked spirits.

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