There are few in history who get the bejeweled farewell to afterlife. Few of the most stunning are these

forgotten jewelled skeletons in repose in churches in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. But photographer and author Paul Koudounaris in his book “Heavenly bodies: Cult treasures and Spectacular saints from the Catacombs” sheds light on the obscure treasures.

The skeletons were originally founded in 1578 in catacombs in Rome. They were redistributed as replacements under the belief that they were Christian martyrs. However their real identity was unknown. The churches that received them continued to add more finery. Often they filled the eye sockets and teeth with gems. Many of these were hidden or destroyed over time.

Koudounaris took over the task of single-handedly tracking down these skeletons and photographing

them.