Maximo and Bartola

Maximo and Bartola CDV by Edmonds of Southampton, c1867

Maximo and Bartola

Maximo and Bartola were a pair of microcephalic siblings from El Salvador who were exhibited as curiosities in the mid-19th century. They were often billed as the "Aztec Children" and were displayed in various freak shows and exhibitions across the United States and Europe.

Early Life

Maximo and Bartola, whose real names were Maximo Valdez Nunez and Bartola Velasquez, were born in the early 19th century in El Salvador. They were discovered by a Spanish trader who brought them to the United States, where they were first exhibited in New York City in the 1840s.

Exhibition and Popularity

The siblings were marketed as the last survivors of the ancient Aztec civilization, a claim that captivated the public's imagination. They were exhibited by P.T. Barnum, a famous showman known for his American Museum in New York City. Barnum's marketing strategies significantly boosted their popularity, and they became one of the main attractions of his museum.

Maximo and Bartola were also taken on tours across the United States and Europe, where they were presented to various dignitaries, including Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. Their exhibitions often included performances and interactions with the audience, further enhancing their appeal.

Medical Examination

During their time in Europe, Maximo and Bartola were examined by several prominent physicians and scientists. Their condition, microcephaly, was characterized by an abnormally small head and brain, which often resulted in developmental delays. Despite their condition, they were able to perform and communicate to some extent, which intrigued the medical community.

Later Life and Legacy

The later years of Maximo and Bartola's lives are less documented. They continued to be exhibited for many years, but as public interest in freak shows waned, they eventually faded from the spotlight. Their story remains a significant part of the history of human exhibitions and the ethical considerations surrounding them.

See Also

• Microcephaly
• P.T. Barnum
• Freak show
• American Museum
• Queen Victoria