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Julia Pastrana from Mexico, hairy woman
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Julia Pastrana from Mexico, hairy woman
Julia Pastrana, from Mexico, a hairy woman who married a showman, Theodor Lent, but died in childbirth at Moscow (the child also died). Her body was mummified for display purposes, but now resides in a sealed coffin at the University of Oslo, Norway
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Media ID 572198
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10005369
1834 1860 Bearded Body Child Birth Died Hairy Human Julia Lent Married Mexican Mexico Moscow Mummified Neck Lace Norway Oddities Oslo Pastrana Sealed Showman Theodor University Paranormal
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Julia Pastrana: A Victorian-Era Hairy Woman from Mexico, Now Preserved at the University of Oslo, Norway This intriguing photograph captures the enigmatic figure of Julia Pastrana (1834-1860), a Mexican woman born with hypertrichosis, a condition that caused her to have extensive body hair. Known as the 'Venus Hirsuta' or 'The Ape-Woman of Mexico,' Pastrana's unique appearance led her to a life of exhibition as a human oddity. In 1852, she married Theodor Lent, a German showman, and together they traveled extensively, displaying Pastrana as a curiosity for paying audiences. In this image, Pastrana is elegantly dressed in a Victorian necklace and a richly decorated costume, adorned with beads and intricate patterns. Her hair, which covered her entire body, is styled in elaborate curls, and she wears a demure expression. Despite her unusual appearance, she is presented as a lady, with refined attire and a sense of dignity. Tragically, Pastrana died in childbirth in Moscow in 1860, along with her infant son. Her body was mummified and displayed as a curiosity for several decades before being acquired by the University of Oslo, Norway, in the late 19th century. Today, her mummified remains are kept in a sealed coffin, a testament to a fascinating chapter in human history. This photograph offers a glimpse into the life of a woman who defied societal norms and captivated the world with her unique appearance. Despite the controversy surrounding her life and death, Pastrana's story continues to intrigue and fascinate people, offering a window into the past and the complexities of human nature.
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