Fakir

Description

This one-of-a-kind sideshow banner was "flown" outdoors as part of a bannerline for the Shelburne Museum's "Circus Day in America" exhibition. Fakir banners were also sometimes named Painproof. These banners depicted feats of physical endurance, which often, but not always, involved ritualistic piercings. When a variety of objects were inserted into the nasal orifices the figure was called Blockhead. Otherwise the body was shown in contact with sharp objects, such as a bed of nails, or the body was pierced, such as inserting a metal rod through the bicep muscle. In all cases, the piercings or sharp objects cause no harm. The ritualistic act in this banner would never be part of the sideshow because it would be impossible to repeat this several times a day without substantial injury as well as violating the practice of extensive preparation for the ritual itself. However, one might see an altar from this ritual along with photographs of its usage as part of a display of curiosities. "Flown" is a term that indicates a banner has literally been outside usually as part of an actual sideshow or in this case, an exhibition, therefore increasing the value of the banner and it also indicates general wear from outdoor use. Size: 7 ft x 5 ft