Since the mid to late part of the nineteenth century, circuses and carnival sideshows have been displaying so called self-made freaks. These freaks are often unique and usual, varying from one show to the next. However, many of these people are those who have transformed their bodies with tattoos and body modifications. Today, circus tattoo “freaks” are less abound as society is more accepting of those with multiple tattoos. However, the history behind circus tattoos is long and full of information.
Sideshow tattoos of the past often included classic styles of tattoos of animals, people tattoos or tattooed shapes. Throughout circus history, there were famous tattooed men abound who gained a great deal of attention in the entertainment world. Those such as Prince Constantine of PT Barnum’s circus in 1873 were incredibly popular and notable. Prince Constantine had 388 tattoos covering his body, which was almost unheard of during the 1800’s. Then there was The Great OMI who had his body and face covered in tribal tattoos and Captain Costentenus (the Greek Albanian) who had animals (mostly elephant tattoos and tiger tattoos) tattooed all over his face and body.
Throughout the circus world there were also tattooed ladies, who drew a lot of attention from spectators. For women, it was even more taboo to be tattooed during these times than for a man to be heavily tattooed. Thus, if a circus had a female tattooed “freak”, the hoopla would bring in people from near and far to view her. Famous tattooed ladies such as Betty Broadbent had 365 tattoos and traveled with the Ringling Brothers and The Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1930’s. Broadbent was incredibly popular on the circus tattoo circuit.
Large banners were often hung with a picture of the tattooed ladies plastered on them, saying a phrase such as “the most beautiful tattooed woman in the world” or “ the exotic tattooed beauty awaits you”. These ladies usually had star tattoos, heart tattoos, flower tattoos, butterfly tattoos, cherub tattoos, angel tattoos and more. Some ladies wore a modest bathing suit for their circus exhibition while others showcased extravagant costumes to reveal their artwork.
These circus tattoo shows eventually died out in popularity and in number over time. There are however a handful of acts which travel the country still, shocking us with sword swallowing, physical anomalies and of course full body tattoos. However, tattoos are not so “freakish” in nature anymore and rarely draw large crowds of spectators.
The so-called freak shows of today are perhaps a bit more eye catching than they were in the past. Beyond simple full body art, performers are taking this transformation a step further into full body transformations. This full body concept is not taken on by just anyone but only those who are fully dedicated to creating another self. An example is a man named Eric Sprague who is better known as “lizard man”. He has modified his body with green reptilian scale tattoos, filed teeth, a split and forked tongue and Teflon implants above his eyebrows which create a reptilian-like ridge. He performs circus type acts and speaks while traveling across the country.
However, lizard man is not alone in this mind blowing body modification genre. A performer by the name of Enigma has full body, blue puzzle piece tattoos from head to toe. He also has Teflon implants which create two horns atop his head. Enigma has been featured on episodes of the X Files, in movies, on television and on the cover of music CDs. He and his ex-wife Katzen perform circus acts on the road. Katzen herself may be the only full body modification female in the public eye today. She has full body cat/tiger striped tattoos covering her body, as well as synthetic whisker transplants. Sideshows were once a way to make some money doing something out of the ordinary and shocking the crowds as you traveled. They are not as prevalent as before. But, if you ever have the chance to see such an act it is worth the time as it is unforgettable thanks to these brave souls who express themselves with tattoos and other body art forms.
Circus tattoo art was one of the first public displays of art. Unfortunately, because the tattooed circus acts were labeled as “freaks” by both the circus and the spectators, it didn’t help society accept tattoos and tattoo art any more quickly. In fact, it may have hindered the acceptance in one way or another.
