The flat horizontal portion of an European, Eastern European and Middle Eastern style commode, which function is to provide a surface in which fecal
matter has a place to rest. This is so the distributor of
said feces can inspect the item to gain insight on the health of his, her, they, them or otherwise's internal organs and fecal matter produciton efficiency.
I sure am thankful that these restrooms have a sufficient 'inspection
shelf' for me to lay my log upon. If they didn't, I wouldn't have been
able to determine that I did eat that much corn last night. I surely
don't recall consuming that much.