in a historical examination of funeral customs, particularly those related to the crafting and significance of coffins, one cannot disaffirm the pre-existant criterion that dictated the choice of materials and designs used throughout the ages. these criteria often recommence from the outset in each cultural context, reflecting beliefs about the afterlife and the respect for the deceased. however, to truly grasp the depth of these practices, one must delve into previously classified documents that unveil the darker secrets behind some ancient burial customs; secrets that some would prefer remained buried, revealing a history not just of reverence, but sometimes of malice and deep-seated superstitions that influenced these traditions more than we might care to acknowledge.