| Tattoo Deviation - Circus Exhibits |
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| Tattoos in Society | |
Tattoo Deviation Exhibits at the CircusIndividuals with deviations are intriguing, so it's not surprising to see extremely tattooed humans become circus exhibits at “The Greatest Show on Earth." Individuals tattooed from head to toe used to find promising employment opportunities with the circus. That is a right, tattooed circus freaks existed, and surprisingly not even that long ago. In 1841 Barnum's American Museum opened in New York where the infamous showman, Phineas T. Barnum put together the first exhibit of unusual individuals Barnum's American Museum showcased Siamese twins, albinos, cannibals, dwarves, bearded ladies, gypsies, exotic animals, magicians, and of course extensively tattooed individuals. James F. O'Connell was the first tattooed man exhibited at Barnum's American Museum in 1842. He is believed to have been tattooed while living in the Caroline Islands with natives and was therefore tattooed in geometrical designs associated with that area. By 1871, Barnum's Museum became a traveling circus known as Barnum's Great Traveling Exposition and included over 30 human exhibits. Toward the end of the 19 th century the circus had become such a popular source of entertainment that big show names like Barnum and Bailey, Cole Brothers, and Ringling Brothers became big name traveling shows. With the increase in circus shows came the increased demand for tattooed people. By 1920, over three hundred individuals covered in tattoos were employed by circuses and side shows earning as much as two hundred dollars a week in some cases.Popular tattoos of the time included American flags, Jesus Christ, the Crucifix, hearts, banners, flowers, and other religious or patriotic symbols. |
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he described as “mysterious deviations from nature's usual course.”