Sculpted circumcision throne (Chair of Elijah) from Italy

The Chair of Elijah is a ritual seat used during circumcision (Brit Mila): according to ancient custom, one seat is symbolically reserved for the prophet Elijah, regarded as the "angel of the covenant" and invisible witness to every circumcision, while another seat receives the godfather (sandak) who holds the child. This type often takes the form of a double seat or a ceremonial armchair. In Italy, these seats are richly carved and gilded, sometimes integrated into synagogue furnishings and fixed to the wall. This object gives material form to a symbolic presence and confers solemnity upon the rite of entry into the covenant of Abraham.