It was hard not to note this quite punchy little sculpture number which depicts when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on his donkey. The inhabitants of the city lay palm fronds in his path (or psalm fronds if you’re Robert Jenrick) as a sign of veneration and love.
This little arrangement was made from limewood and dates to around 1520, being made locally in Cologne. The donkey comes from the Church of St. Kolumba and it was documented as being taken through the streets of Cologne as late as 1778. The church was unfortunately lost during the air raid bombings during the Second World War.
I do wonder how these things survived through the centuries as it’s not the easiest thing to store. I accept that it’s quite easy to move, but I wonder where churches have stored it over time.
And here are some images that AI has created to try and picture the scene back in the late medieval period.