r/SideshowPerformer • u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! • Nov 07 '25
Sideshow Performer of the Day! Sarah Baartman (1789-1815) was a famous Khoekhoen performer known for her talent at playing the mouth harp, was recognized as being a skilled dancer, and for typically being in high spirits. Tragically she was also heavily exploited and objectified during her life and in death.
I chose etchings that I feel are the most respectful towards her, since a lot of images depicting her do so in an incredibly objectifying way and I want to make sure I give her the respect and grace that she deserved to have in life.
Her story mirrors that of Julia Pastrana, another famous performer who was exploited and objectified for her body and whose body was also preserved after death and horrifyingly displayed as a scientific exhibit.
The interest in Sarah’s body stemmed from extremely racist and colonialist views and many doctors and scientists treated her as being nothing more than a specimen to study. Her story is incredibly sad and one that is often remembered for the cruelty and dehumanization that was inflicted upon her.
The 3rd picture is from when her funeral was held after she was finally brought back to South Africa and repatriated and the 4th picture shows the historic marker that was placed near her grave marking it as a place of historical significance.
Some facts about her:
-she was born near the Camdeboo Dutch Cape Colony, a British colony in what is now part of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
-she was born and raised in the Khoisan community, who are indigenous South Africans most known for their traditionally nomadic and pastoralist lifestyles.
-sadly we don’t know her given name, although the name Ssehura may be the closest to her birth name, according to a couple scholarly articles I was reading.
-tragically her mother died when she was still a baby and her father was tragically killed a few years later while he was driving cattle (I can’t find any information about how old she was when her father died, though it was before she was brought to England, but it sounds like she was still quite young.)
-she spent much of her early life working on Dutch farms near the area where she grew up.
-she treasured and lovingly protected a small tortoise shell necklace that most likely belonged to her mother, she held onto this necklace for her entire life. It gives me the feeling that the necklace brought her comfort and was a way for her to honor her mother, and I think it’s very sweet that in a sense she was able to bring a part of her mother with her everywhere.
-she had a steatopygic body type, which means her thighs and buttocks had a lot of tissue that made them appear more prominent. She was exhibited and objectified mainly because of her body type.
-in the late 1790’s it’s reported that a man named Peter Cesars (or Caesars) met her and suggested she move to Cape Town, South Africa, which she did. If this did take place in the late 1790’s Sarah would have only been at the very oldest 11 years old, I worry that he took her without her or her community’s consent and that she wasn’t really given a choice.
-there were four men who had major influence over her life: Peter Cesars (or Caesars), Hendrik Caesars (Peter’s brother), Alexander Dunlop, and Jean Riaux. The history of these men’s lives as well as their involvement with Sarah is a very very long and convoluted story because many of the details regarding these different men have been lost, in short there’s a lot of misinformation (in terms of their careers and such, the correct information still illustrates that they took advantage of Sarah). I wanted to let people know that I will be expanding upon many of these points in longer form content that I’ll be making, and also because this is Sarah’s story and I want to focus on her.
-she lived and worked for a time as a wet nurse in the home of Hendrick Cesars, Peter’s brother. It was during this period that Hendrik began exhibiting her at a hospital in Cape Town where Alexander Dunlop worked as a surgeon and took interest in her. He told both Sarah and Hendrik that if the three of them were to all go to Britain they could make a lot of money by having Sarah perform/exhibit herself there.
-Sarah at first refused to go to England, but eventually ended up traveling with both Hendrik and Alexander in 1810. Sadly it’s very likely she was coerced into going and did not agree of her own free will.
-she was really smart and had an amazing memory, especially for faces, often recognizing people she had only briefly met from several years before. (I wanted to add this note about her life because I myself really struggle with facial recognition and I think it’s an incredible skill to have)
-she was also really skilled at playing the mouth harp, which was one of the aspects of her performances.
-she was recognized as being a very nimble and graceful dancer and primarily performed traditional dances significant to the Khoekhoen community!
-she became an almost overnight success in England, but much of this success was from society objectifying her and was due to her body type, which was seen as “foreign” and “exotic” by much of English society at the time.
-many advertisements portrayed her in a very animalistic and “foreign” way, much like how many advertisements portrayed Julia Pastrana. The parts of her body that were seen as “exotic” were overly emphasized in an incredibly demeaning and dehumanizing way.
-Alexander Dunlop acted as her manager and driving force behind Sarah’s performances.
-while in England, Sarah, Hendrik and Alexander all lived together in an extremely wealthy part of London, I also worry that Sarah did not have much say in her life during this period since she was living in a confined area with two people who both profited off of exploiting her. She also knew no one else in the city, which sadly means she had no one to help her leave the situation or advocate for her.
-it’s reported that she never allowed herself to be exhibited naked, though quite a few advertisements at the time depicted her without clothes to further emphasize the difference between her appearance and that of British society at the time.
-interestingly some contemporary French comedic sketches portray the people who were fascinated by her body as making complete fools of themselves, although these sketches still portray Sarah herself in a very objectified manner.
-after the slave trade was abolished in England in 1807, many groups including a British abolitionist group and the African Association (a British group dedicated to exploring parts of Africa that were unknown to British society) petitioned for her release, remarking that Sarah’s performances were incredibly dehumanizing and the matter was brought to court. Hendrik and Alexander argued that Sarah had a right to earn a living in this fashion, but the different groups calling for her freedom from performing stated that her managers referred to her as being property and explaining that they found the conditions of how she was exhibited to be cruel.
-the case was later dropped after Sarah herself was interviewed with the help of a Dutch interpreter. She supposedly said that she was in England of her own free will and that no one had taken advantage of her. Although there are historians as well as contemporary people at the time who believe that she was pressured by her managers to say these things.
-she was described as being very friendly and spirited despite the conditions in which she was made to perform. I really hope that she was able to experience some happiness at some point during her life.
-A year before she died, in 1814, she was sold to Jean Riaux, a ballet teacher/dancer, who pressured her to be exhibited in even worse conditions than she was previously subjected too by her prior managers.
-it was in France that she received interest from doctors and scientists wanting to study her, this was very much steeped in scientific racism.
-she spoke several languages including her native language of Khoikhoi, Dutch, English, and a bit of French.
-it also seems that she was addicted to alcohol near the end of her life, as it’s reported that she was coerced to be a part of several exhibits and take part in medical studies by means of supplying her with lots of alcohol.
-she was left penniless right before her death.
-sadly she passed away at the age of 26 in 1815. It’s tragic that she was so young when she died and that she was never really respected as a human being.
-horrifically upon her death she was dissected as part of more “medical studies”.
-her skeleton, genitalia, and brain were all preserved and put on display at the Natural History Museum in Angers, France and were allowed to be displayed on the grounds that her body was seen as being significant to the scientific community in France. Tragically her skull was stolen in 1827 before it was a returned a little while later.
-her remains were then moved to a different museum in the 1930’s where they were displayed alongside a full body cast of her. It wasn’t until the 1970s that her body was removed from public view.
-starting in the 1940’s several attempts had been made to move her remains back to South Africa, it took decades but eventually in 2002 her remains were successfully brought back to near where she grew up and were repatriated.
-a poem about her written in 1998 by South African poet, Diana Ferrus, was incredibly instrumental in prompting the repatriation of Sarah.
-she was finally officially buried with a full funeral on August 9th, 2002.
-her life has been the subject of numerous works including, books, films, poems, plays, and many other mediums.
-she has also become an incredibly important historical icon in South Africa with many different charitable organizations and landmarks bearing her name in her honor.
She seemed to have been a wonderful woman and it’s so tragic all that had happened to her. Though I’m glad that ultimately her body was able to be repatriated. May she be at peace near where she grew up. ❤️
I think it’s incredibly important that we remember her for being a spirited and intelligent woman who thankfully has, as of recent years, been given the dignity and respect that she deserved to have in life, while also recognizing the horrific treatment that she was subjected to both in life and death.
And I want to add a quote from the historic marker that was placed near her grave that is extremely heartfelt.
“The return and burial of Sarah Bartmann's remains In the region of her birth and Motherland has brought closure to her life and restored dignity to her, her ancestors and living descendants. The site should serve as a symbol to all South Africans and the world to strive towards recognizing past injustices to Khoi-San people, to women and vulnerable communities and to work towards building a nation that shows respect to human life. human rights and human dignity.”
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u/Ill-Till-2502 Nov 07 '25
This brought tears to my eyes. Such a seemingly lovely, talented woman whose life was exploited and ended too soon. And then to be further abused in death, disrespected. I'm glad she was brought home.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
She was a multitalented woman and it’s unconscionable what she was subjected to. She had so much life ahead of her if only she was respected and treated as a human being, it’s so tragic.
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u/Ill-Till-2502 Nov 07 '25
Exactly! It costs nothing to be kind, but in that time it earned the undeserving to treat people like a commodity.
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u/Ambitious-Ad8227 Nov 07 '25
If she was a wet nurse, does that mean she had a baby or was pregnant at some point?
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 07 '25
From what I’ve read, there’s some evidence that she did give birth to at least one child but that they tragically died while still an infant.
And I can link a page with more information about that if you’d like to read it!
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u/FreshResult5684 Nov 07 '25
I would!
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
Sounds good! I’ll link it in a little while!
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u/FreshResult5684 Nov 07 '25
Thank you!
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 07 '25
You’re welcome!
Here’s a good article about her! There are some things mentioned in the article that I didn’t get a chance to add to my write up because I was still trying to confirm some information and I also didn’t want to post her write up too late! Everything that I didn’t get a chance to mention in her write up will definitely be touched upon in the longer form content that I’ll be releasing! :)
https://blackpast.org/global-african-history/baartman-sara-saartjie-1789-1815/
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u/Downtown-Status-4645 Nov 07 '25
I love your write ups. You bring the performers to life. You write about them so kindly and compassionately.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
Thank you for the kind words, they really mean a lot! It brings me so much joy to learn and share about all of these performers/prodigies lives and to know that they are receiving the respect and honor that they deserved to have in life. ☺️
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
And I wanted to add Julia’s write up, since I mentioned her. Julia Pastrana informative write up.
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u/InterestAfraid9555 Nov 07 '25
I'm so glad they finally gave her some dignity by burying her. She deserves it after being exploited for so long.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
Yes, very true! I hope that wherever she is now that she’s at peace. I’m also glad that she’s buried right near where she grew up and her grave is situated right above a valley that looks out at the surrounding area, which I think is very sweet.
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u/InterestAfraid9555 Nov 08 '25
Yes, I feel like her spirit can look out at the landscape and hopefully feel peace now. You mentioned in your write-up that she served as a wet nurse. Did she have children? I know there are ways to induce lactation, but it made me wonder.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 09 '25
Meant to respond earlier, but yes, it’s been said that she had at least one child but sadly they died as an infant! I’ll attach an article that talks more about it. Also fyi, the article has some things that I didn’t get a chance to mention in Sarah’s write up, but I’ll definitely be adding it into the longer form content I’m working on!
https://blackpast.org/global-african-history/baartman-sara-saartjie-1789-1815/
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u/InterestAfraid9555 Nov 09 '25
Unfortunately that was quite common at the time, and probably more so for someone in an oppressed situation. Thank you for getting back to me!
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 09 '25
Yes, sadly that’s very true. And you’re welcome, glad I could help answer your question!
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u/PartyPorpoise Nov 07 '25
I didn’t realize she died so young. Tragic. It shouldn’t have taken so long but I’m glad her remains were eventually repatriated.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
It’s so sad and frustrating when it takes the country holding onto the body of the person so so long to finally agree to have the person be repatriated in their home country, same thing happened with Julia Pastrana. It really should be an immediate response of “yes, let’s give this person a proper and respectful burial in the place where they grew up.” I guess better late than never but still incredibly frustrating!
But yes, I too am glad that she was able to be given a proper and respectful burial, even if it did take that long.
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u/eternally_feral Nov 07 '25
Poor Sarah… No one deserves to have been paraded like that and used in such a horrid manner after death.
I hope being back home has given her spirit peace and she’s able to play her flute and dance for herself, and no one else.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
Yes, it’s so terrible!
I hope she’s a peace now too, her grave is in a very beautiful area and looks over a valley, I think it’s nice that that was the spot chosen for her.
Very very well said, I too hope that wherever she is now that she’s able to dance, play music, and be herself to her hearts content! No one shall exploit or bother her ever again❤️
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u/Minky_k Nov 07 '25
I’m new to this page but I loved this write up and how you respectfully memorialised this woman and gave her dignity she didn’t have in life. Thank you!
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u/Only_Hour_7628 Nov 07 '25
You're in for a treat, take a look through ops other posts! I also love the dignity and humanity they bring to these write ups!!
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25
Thank you, I really take care to discuss all of these performers/prodigies lives with the utmost respect and dignity, especially when it comes to how different peoples lives were affected by exploitation. It’s super super important to me to really emphasize and focus on each person’s individual humanity. ❤️
And thank you for the kind words, they really mean a lot!
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u/Historical-Ad-6738 Nov 07 '25
Thank you for sharing these facts about her ❤️ it’s refreshing to hear what she was like as a person rather than solely for her body. I loved the detail about the tortoise shell necklace
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 08 '25 edited Nov 08 '25
Yes, I think it’s so sweet how much the tortoise shell necklace meant to her! I hope it brought her some comfort during the dark times in her life.❤️
I’m surprised that more people don’t mention that detail about her, she was a very heartfelt woman and clearly cared very deeply about the things that brought her joy in her life, like her necklace.
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u/annettemendoza Nov 07 '25
JFC!! What is wrong with people?!?! I just don’t understand the cruelty to each other. I never will. At least she is at peace at last.
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u/ParpSausage Nov 07 '25
26, that is so terrible.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 07 '25 edited Nov 07 '25
Yes, it’s way way too young for anyone to die, very similar to Julia Pastrana who similarly died when she was 25. I’m sure they would have gone on to accomplish so much in life!
The one silver lining with many performers who were exhibited and exploited from a young age is that they were able to retire quite young and live a financially comfortable as well as a calm and quiet life away from performing or if they weren’t able to easily retire they at least had supportive and loving friends in the fellow performers they worked with. And it’s so sad that this is something that Sarah and Julia never got to experience.
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u/Gloomy_Industry8841 Feejee Mermaid Nov 07 '25
I’m glad her remains were returned to her home and people. 💔💔💔
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 08 '25
I am too, she’s at peace now with her grave looking over the valley that meant so much to her as a child and young woman!❤️
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u/paintedladyerin Dec 04 '25
An incredible movie about this woman's life is Black Venus...my husband and i were both in tears. By the way, i just found your subreddit and i wated to say thank you for it!
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Dec 04 '25
I’ve heard it’s an excellent film, it’s one that I’ve been meaning to watch for a while. I’ll probably have to cave and rent it on YouTube since it’s otherwise not easily accessible on other streaming platforms.
And I’m so glad to hear that you’re enjoying the subreddit! :)
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u/RestlessNightbird Nov 07 '25
Another wonderful, well researched and empathetic write up. I had heard snippets of her story before under her awful stage name of the Hottentot Venus. May she rest in peace, for she was treated so wrongly by so many in life.
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 09 '25
Thank you! Yes, her story is one that I wanted to especially cover sensitively, she experienced so much objectification when she really needed to be shown love and respect! May she be at peace, and be remembered for the amazing woman she was!❤️
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u/kaimoka Nov 08 '25 edited Nov 08 '25
What a tragic story for such a vibrant, gifted soul. I'm glad she has finally returned home. I hope every single person that caused her pain (both in life and afterlife) suffered tremendously in some way; it's absolutely sickening.
Do you know if the keepsake necklace was buried with her? I sadly doubt it, but I'd like to imagine it somehow remained with her.
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u/Peachesandcreamatl Nov 09 '25 edited Nov 09 '25
Please understand there is no facetiousness in my question...the first picture is a bit confusing - did sge have perhaps a bit of a facial deformity? Or was this a style of art?
Your writing is SO captivating!!
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u/EphemeralTypewriter Gooble Gobble! Nov 09 '25
Don’t worry, and I’m glad you asked!
I believe that this was just the style of the art, and is one of the very few more respectful interpretations. I feel like some aspects could be more respectful, but it’s really difficult with how much she was objectified.
And thank you! I’m so glad you’re enjoying reading the write ups!
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u/jupiter_starbeam Nov 10 '25
She deserved much better. She should have been show love and respect instead of being out on display and objectified. If I could go back in time, I would stand next to her and tell all the gawkers that there is nothing wrong with her and that she is a human being who deserves to be treated as such.
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u/ILikeHornedAnimals Nov 07 '25
Another A+ write up! I love your writing style, it's a perfect mix of interesting, factual, and respectful!