The true place of all obelisks was in front of the colossi, on each side of the main entrance.[22] They are always in pairs, but often of unequal height.

Some have professed to see in them the emblem of Amen, the Generator; or a finger of the god; or a ray of the sun.

In sober truth, they are a more shapely form of the standing stone, or menhir, which is raised by semi-civilised peoples in commemoration of their gods or their dead.

Small obelisks, about three feet in height, are found in tombs as early as the Fourth Dynasty.

They are placed to right and left of the stela; that is to say, on either side of the door which leads to the dwelling of the dead.