NARRATAOR: These items in teakwood are sections of a minbar – or mosque pulpit. Despite its age, the surface carvings are incredibly sharp.

STEFAN HEIDEMANN: During the 11th and 12th century a lot of mosques and schools of higher learning – madrasahs - were built all over the Islamic world. … The mosques and schools of higher learning were mostly not founded by the rulers, but by a lot of wealthy and influential individuals. So this piece of furniture was endowed by someone who is mentioned in the inscription, [Abubakur bin Muhammad bin Atmat Kanai Athamana]. …And he gives in the inscription also the exact date when he did the endowment. It is on Jumara the first in the year 546 in the Islamic calendar, which means, August September 1151.

NARRATOR: Curator Stefan Heidemann is joined by Objects Conservator Daniel Hausdorf:

STEFAN HEIDEMANN: What's at the bottom? It looks a little bit damaged?

DANIEL HAUSDORF: Yes. The damage clearly shows us that this piece was sitting on the floor and therefore much more exposed to water and dirt. We used a 3D imaging technology to look at the tool marks. Based on the results, we can clearly say that the carving on both pieces was made from the same hand. When we examined the surface… we founded traces of paint. Small samples of the pigments have been analyzed. Based on the results, we found red and blue pigments.

NARRATOR: To hear about how many of the objects in these galleries relate to the context of the mosque, press PLAY.