the case was custom-formed to the body, resembling an egyptian sarcophagus with sculpted arms and a glass window plate for viewing the face of the deceased, without the risk of exposure to odor or pathogens. the airtight cases were valued for their potential to preserve the remains of individuals who died far from home, until they could be shipped back for burial by the family. this type of burial in the 19th century indicated that the individual buried was someone of cultural and societal importance.