Photograph
Moss-haired Girl
| Woman coiffed as a "moss-haired girl" or a "Circassian beauty." A literary tradition exists for the Circassian beauties, but in the United States they achieved popularity as a sideshow attraction promoted by P.T. Barnum, beginning in 1865. The Circassian beauties were said to be especially prized as concubines during the Middle Ages; at Barnum's time they were not necessarily women from the Northern Caucusus region but rather were actresses who wore the distinctive hairstyle Barnum promoted as a trademark of Circassian beauties, hence their other title as "moss-haired girls." The woman is also wearing what appears to be a tight-laced or corseted dress and a multi-strand rope pearl necklace. |
| Image ID: | 109430 |
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| Creation Date: | date unknown |
| Creator Name: | Unknown |
| City: | |
| County: | |
| State: | |
| Collection Name: | Classified file, circa 1850s-1950s |
| Genre: | Photograph |
| Original Format Type: | photographic print, b&w |
| Original Format Number: | CF 33962 |
| Original Dimensions: | 4.25 x 6.5 inches |
| Circus performers |
| Dresses |
| Jewelry |
| Hairstyles |
| Indoor photography |
| Portrait photography |
| Women |
| This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
| Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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