NARRATOR: This lindenwood figure of Christ riding on a donkey on wheels was once pulled through the streets in Palm Sunday processions reenacting Christ's entry into Jerusalem. In German these figures are called "palmesels," the donkeys of Palm Sunday. They were made in various sizes, from toy-size to life-size, and were especially popular in southern Germany and Austria, and Central Europe during the Gothic period. This one was probably made in the 1470s. Christ sits upright, clothed in a purple tunic with a red mantle that shows remnants of embossed gold and simulated jewels. Christ's right hand is raised in blessing, while his left probably held the reins. He also probably once had a halo. Religious images like this were regularly pulled through the streets in processions and used until they wore out. The cart you see here is a modern replacement. Try to imagine this in a Palm Sunday procession through the city streets, with crowds of worshippers throwing palm fronds, and richly decorated priests leading the way.