Women of Controversy: Julia Pastrana

Womanica

Julia Pastrana (1834-1859) was a 19th century performer often referred to as the “Ape Woman.” She was born with hypertrichosis and gingival hyperplasia, and her physical appearance led her to become a popular attraction at circuses. The dehumanizing language used to promote her act encapsulates the racism and pseudoscience that defined the era of “freak shows.”

For Further Reading:

• The Story Of Julia Pastrana, The 'Ape Woman' Sideshow Performer
• Julia Pastrana: A “Monster to the Whole World”
• Mexican 'ape woman' buried 150 years after her death | Mexico | The Guardian
• The Life of Julia Pastrana — The Bristorian
• Julia Pastrana Online

This month we're talking about women who found themselves at the center of controversy -- whether deserved or not.

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