Krao Farini
Krao Farini (1876 – 1926) was a Laotian woman who was exhibited as a sideshow attraction in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was born with a condition known as hypertrichosis, which caused excessive hair growth on her body. Krao was often billed as the "Missing Link" between humans and apes, a common theme in sideshow attractions of that era.
Early Life[edit | edit source]
Krao Farini was born in Laos in 1876. Her full name at birth is not well-documented, and she was later given the surname "Farini" after being taken under the wing of Guillermo Antonio Farini, a well-known showman and impresario. Farini discovered Krao during one of his expeditions and brought her to Europe and North America to be exhibited.
Exhibition Career[edit | edit source]
Krao was first exhibited in Europe before being brought to the United States. She was displayed in various sideshows and circuses, including the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus. Krao was often presented as a scientific curiosity, and her exhibitions were accompanied by claims that she was a "missing link" between humans and apes, a notion that was popular in the Victorian era.
Medical Condition[edit | edit source]
Krao Farini's condition, hypertrichosis, is a rare genetic disorder characterized by excessive hair growth. This condition can affect both men and women and can be present at birth or develop later in life. In Krao's case, the condition was congenital, meaning she was born with it.
Later Life and Death[edit | edit source]
Krao continued to be exhibited well into her adulthood. Despite the often exploitative nature of her exhibitions, she reportedly lived a relatively comfortable life compared to many other sideshow performers of her time. Krao Farini passed away in 1926.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Krao Farini remains a notable figure in the history of sideshow attractions and the study of hypertrichosis. Her life and career highlight the intersection of medical curiosity and entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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