The Human Pincushion (1912 – 1948)

Mirin Dajo is one of the greatest circus anomalies. He would stand in front of the crowd bare-chested and have his assistant pierce him with pointed objects, usually through his abdomen. Eventually, word grew about his act and medical teams caught on. When they examined him, they noticed that he was definitely getting pierced all of the way through… But, somehow was not in any physical pain. He could feel pain in other ways, but this was different.

Lobster Boy (1866 – ?)

Fred Wilson was one of the most popular circus acts of his time. He was born with ectrodactyly fingers and backward feet. It was actually a familial trait that had been carried down the line for 300 years. 

Advertisement

Next Page → Next Page →