Lionel, The Lion-faced Man - Very Hairy Man
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Lionel, The Lion-faced Man - Very Hairy Man
Stephan Bibrowski ), better known as Lionel the Lion-faced Man, was a famous sideshow performer. His whole body was covered with long hair that gave him the appearance of a lion; this was likely due to a rare condition called hypertrichosis. Pictured aged 17 in 1908. Date: 1908
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Media ID 11562278
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Bailey Barnum Circus Faced Famed Freak Freakshow Hairy Hypertrichosis Lion Lionel Performer Polish Seventeen Sideshow Stephan
EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, taken in 1908, introduces us to Lionel, the Lion-faced Man, whose real name was Stephan Bibrowski. Born in Poland, Bibrowski gained worldwide fame for his extraordinary physical feature: a dense covering of long hair that gave him the appearance of a lion-headed man. This condition, known as hypertrichosis, began manifesting when he was a young boy, and by the time he reached seventeen, his entire body was covered with a thick, mane-like growth. Bibrowski's unique appearance made him a natural attraction in the world of sideshows and freak shows, which were popular forms of entertainment during the early 20th century. He joined the renowned Barnum & Bailey Circus, where he captivated audiences with his lion-like appearance. Lionel's performances were a spectacle to behold, as he would often pose with a dog or a real lion to emphasize the striking similarity between his face and that of the king of the jungle. Despite the curiosity and fascination that surrounded him, Lionel the Lion-faced Man was known to be a kind and gentle soul. He used his unique condition to earn a living and entertain people, and his story continues to captivate us today. This photograph, taken during his teenage years, offers a rare glimpse into the life of this historical figure and the extraordinary world of sideshows and freak shows that once captivated the public imagination.
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