Antique CABINET CARD Photograph. Photographer: Obermiiller & Son. Location: New York, New York. Marie Bayrooty was the only female member of the Bayrooty Brothers Oriental Troupe, who performed on the Barnum and Bailey Circus sideshow. A famous’whirling dervish,’ – as members of the Mevlevi Order are known colloquially – she broke a record by whirling 2,990 times in 37 minutes in 1906, per the The New York Times, who described her as of Syrian descent. The Times, in the typically dismissive tone of the day, describe her performance as such: Mary Bayrooty, the Syrian girl who last year whirled for thirty-two minutes without cessation, making something like 2,240 revolutions established a new record yesterday afternoon in Barnum & Bailey’s Freak Hall. She made 2,990 twirls in thirty-seven minutes. This is a new world record. When the last note died and the last whirl had been achieved, Marie was fresh as paint. She ran across the floor to the nearest reporter and pinned a rose on the lapel of his coat, remaining until her fame had been suitably sounded. Then she sat down and gave the other freaks a chance. New York Times, April 2, 1906. 6.5″ x 4.25″. Cabinet card is in antique condition with some wear. Please contact to make arrangements.
