Folding parturition chair, the "Miraculous Chair of Palermo", wood and leather, reputedly Sicilian, 1701-1830

This chair is also known as a birthing chair and is designed so that it can be folded up. It is made out of wood and has a leather seat and is reputed to come from Sicily. Women used it when they were giving birth and it has been estimated that it was used in 2000 deliveries whilst in the possession of a family of midwives for three generations. An image of Christ is painted on the back of the chair above where the woman's head would rest.