Signed Real Photo Postcard of sideshow performer Ki-Ki “Haba-Haba” Man Harry L. Signed by Blitz in black ink to the upper margin of the image: “Ki-ki, Venice, California”. Real photo postcard; 5.25″ x 3.5″. Top edge unevenly trimmed, some creases, else in very good condition. Intent on pursuing a career as a wildman and a spieler, Blitz took the name Ki-KI and began working for P. Barnum sometime in the 1880s and, according to him, it was Barnum himself, who first told him to make up like a Zulu – bedecked in proper barbarian apparel, blackened face, several gee strings, armlets, leglets, and earings, and a most ferociously inane expression. His show persona would jump around, dance, utter cries, and bellow “Hubba-Hubba, ” attracting hundreds of visitors to the tent. During the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco, he would also promote the African Dip – part of the amusement area, Joy Zone of the exposition – represented by an enormous, grotesque figure of a stereotypical savage. In 1910, he would becom embroiled in a bitter and highly-publicized divorce, his wife claiming that masquerading as a’monkey man’ had gradually changed her husband into a brute. If you have any questions feel free to ask and don’t forget to check out my other listings. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Photographic Images\Photographs”. The seller is “dirkdensity” and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.
- Unit of Sale: Single Unit
- Antique: Yes
- Autograph Format: Hard Signed
- Featured Person: Harry L. Blitz
- Signed By: Harry L. Blitz
- Image Orientation: Portrait
- Size: Standard (5.5 x 3.5 in)
- Signed: Yes
- Image Color: Black & White
- Material: Paper
- Year Manufactured: 1910
- Framing: Unframed
- Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
- Subject: Circus, Sideshow
- Vintage: Yes
- Type: Real Photo (RPPC)
- Year of Production: 1910
- Era: Pre-War (Pre-1914)
- Theme: People
- Features: 1st Edition, Signed
- Featured Person/Artist: Ki-Ki \
- Time Period Manufactured: 1900-1919
- Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
- Postage Condition: Unposted
