Fiji "Cannibals"
Cannibals from Fiji and other South Pacific islands had been encountered by Eurpean explorers beginning in the 17th century. Their arrival in American sideshows began in the latter 19th century with the four depicted at left who toured with the Barnum and Bailey circus. Both the men and the woman (seated) had their hair teased into similar styles, further erasing gender identities which may have made these islanders too tame looking to be considered savages. In reality, these four Fijians had been working for years with American missionaries prior to their enrollment by Barnum and Bailey and had developed lifestyles far different from the primordial roles they were given to play in the circus.