Willie Kelton Limbless Wildman

Cabinet Card. Very unusual and fascinating portrait of an unidentified Black Wildman with virtually every stereotype of his ilk displayed, with the added tragic exoticism of his having amputated hands and forearms. Willie's trappings include a nose ring, a Mohawk hairstyle, furry trousers, fuzzy shirt, etc. By RICH'S, Chicago. On verso is a pasted printed clipping detailing newspaper-style "A Frightful Accident" with Willie being mauled by hyenas. Whether this incident truly happened, or even pertains to the subject on the front of the card is questionable.

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