Julia Pastrana born in 1834 in the mountains of SinaloaMexico, and suffered from a rare disease called at a young age Hypertrichosis either “Wolf Syndrome” that caused that excessive hair growth on the face and body. This condition led to her being perceived as one “Monster Woman” and despite the discrimination he faced, he decided to use his looks to make a living.
Although Julia’s life began in humility, she worked as Domestic worker by Pedro Sánchez, former governor of Sinaloahis fortunes were to change in 1854 when he moved there USA. He would meet them there Theodore Lentwho was to become her representative and husband.
Pastrana began appearing in the Circusesexhibited as a product of a relationship between a man and a monkey, which caused great astonishment and morbidity among the public at the time.
He then traveled to London with Theodor Lent. Before she got there, she was announced by the newspapers as “La indescriptible” (“The Indescribable”). The image they conveyed of her was that of a happy woman, content with her situation, who, they said, enjoyed traveling, cooking and sewing. In her shows, Julia not only showed off her rarity, but also danced and sang in Spanish and English; it is said that she spoke at least three languages. True, she was an educated, cultured woman who loved to read, and although she was initially called “the ugliest woman in the world,” some scientists preferred to see her “the missing link” that Charles Darwin was looking for, but she was much more than that: a woman with her own story.
Despite the abusive conditions he was subjected to, Julia also showed other talents, like him dance and singSkills that he used to increase his appeal in shows. However, his fame has since cost him dearly developed from a circus attraction to an exploitation Theodore Lentwho gave her total control over her life, including invasive medical tests.
Lent took advantage of his situation to gain money and notoriety, and in 1859, after marrying Julia, the situation worsened. During Julia’s pregnancy Lent showed no interest in his wife’s health, and in 1860 Julia died during birthShe was only 26 years old with her newborn son. The causes were complications during pregnancy, but Lent’s desire to continue exploiting his image prompted him to do so mummify the bodies his wife and son to continue to display them as a macabre spectacle.
The fate of Julia Pastrana It didn’t end with his death. The body of Julia It was displayed in a display case in various countries for years. Lent He continued to exploit his figure even after his death, show his corpse in different places, Until his mental problems finally led him to be admitted to a clinic psychiatric hospital.
Although the body of his son was devoured by Rats In 1970 the Julia Pastrana stayed in Norway until, In 2012, the Mexican government claimed his remains. Finally in February 2013Julia was buried there Sonora, Mexico, in a symbolic act that marked the end of a history full of suffering, exploitation and oblivion.
The story of Julia Pastrana has been recognized in recent years as evidence of the grave injustice and exploitation of many people with special physical conditions and as a reminder of the importance of human dignity in all circumstances.
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