Hagenbeck-Wallace / Giraffe-Neck Woman. ca. 1935.

Artist: ANONYMOUS Size: 28 1/4 x 41 5/8 in./72 x 105.7 cmCondition: B+/ Slight tears and stains, largely at edges.Printer: Central PTG & Illinois Litho., ChicagoReference: Key Words: Circus; AmericanHagenbeck-Wallace / Giraffe-Neck Woman. ca. 1935.Like many circus advertisements, we're promised a new, out-of-the-ordinary, gotta-see-it-to-believe-it act. The "giraffe-necked women" were introduced as "the most startling discovery of the century" in various promotions for their tours of North America and Europe. But like the caged animals transported from distant lands for our viewing pleasure, the Padaung women were essentially kidnapped from small villages in Burma and Thailand to become freak show highlights. The women begin wearing brass coils around their necks at a young age; gradually, more are added, which compress the rib cage and displace the collarbone to create the illusion of an extremely long neck, which was thought to be a highly desired quality of a good wife. Today, although human exhibits have been thankfully shuttered, some Padaung women continue this practice because they know Westerners will pay to ogle at their necks.Price: $960(starting bid + 20% buyer’s premium)Want this item?Place an online bid, or CALL US NOW for this special price212-787-4000Until March 3 only!