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The Hairy Family of Burma - hypertrichosis lanuginosa
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The Hairy Family of Burma - hypertrichosis lanuginosa
c. 1860s India - the hairy family of Burma - congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa - they became famous as a show attraction and freak show act
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Media ID 23435810
Barnum Circus Ethnicity Ethnographic Pt Barnum
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This photograph, taken in the late 1800s, depicts the Hairy Family of Burma, also known as the Hanuman Family or the Burmese Lion People. The family members, who were afflicted with congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa, a rare condition causing excessive hair growth over the entire body, gained worldwide fame during the 19th century as a traveling ethnographic curiosity and show attraction. The image captures the family in their traditional Burmese attire, with the parents and their children posing for the camera with a sense of pride and dignity. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors of their clothing, along with their elaborate headdresses and jewelry, add to the ethnographic and cultural significance of the photograph. The Hairy Family of Burma first came to international attention during the 1860s when they were exhibited by P.T. Barnum, the renowned American showman, in his American Museum in New York City. Barnum billed them as "The Burmese Lion Family" and charged admission fees to view their unique appearance. The family traveled extensively throughout Europe and North America, performing in various circuses and fairs, often being displayed alongside other exotic and indigenous peoples. Despite the exploitative nature of their exhibition, the Hairy Family of Burma's story serves as a reminder of the cultural fascination with the exotic and the unusual during the 19th century. Their legacy continues to intrigue historians, anthropologists, and the general public, offering insights into the early days of the circus and the ethnographic collections of the era.
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