As public interest in the unusual was parlayed into exhibitions in the 16th century, physical oddities began to take on a certain caché, earning fame for many performers and paving the way for the rise of P. T. Barnum and the explosion of sideshow acts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. For those of you fascinated by these human marvels, enjoy Dark5’s video countdown below of five fantastical early sideshow acts.
Check out the links and galleries below for more on Dark5’s featured acts.
- Madame Clofullia, The Bearded Lady of Geneva
- The Seven Sutherland Sisters and Their 37 Feet of Hair
- Prince Randian, The Human Caterpillar
- The Colloredo Twins
- Lucia Zarate, The Mexican Lilliputian
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Very cool, Eva. I’m fascinated with the seven Sutherland sisters.