An ihai was a funeral tablet. It was created for a deceased individual to be placed in his family shrine. Ihai were small obelisk-like objects made of wood. They stood only a few inches tall and bore the name of the deceased. Some were more elaborate, and might include the decedant's personal or family mon, or the mon of his position, such as the Emerald Magistrates or the Imperial Legions. Old and prestigious families could have a great many ihai in their family shrines. It assisted the spirit to hear the prayers of its descendants, and served as a bridge between the spirit and its past.