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The Serpent-Charmers at the Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's-Park, 1850. Creator: Pearson
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The Serpent-Charmers at the Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's-Park, 1850. Creator: Pearson
The Serpent-Charmers at the Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's-Park, [London], 1850. These remarkable persons...state that they are of the tribe called Rufaiah, who hand down the mystery of serpent-charming from father to son, and whom the most venomous species have no power to injure...the Rufaiah now in this country handle the Egyptian cobra - which they call taban nouascher - in a manner which evinces their entire fearlessness of its bite. They irritate it, soothe it, receive its open-mouthed attack, or its gentle caress, as their own caprice or the request of the spectators may suggest. The boy is the most active operator, and generally monopolises nearly the whole of the performance; the old man, Jabar Abou Haijab, occasionally supporting him. Jabar is held in Egypt to be the father of the profession...and has been conversant with snake- lore from his earliest youth'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph, titled "The Serpent-Charmers at the Gardens of the Zoological Society, Regent's-Park, London, 1850," by Pearson, showcases an intriguing scene of two serpent-charmers, a young boy and an old man, engaging with a venomous Egyptian cobra in the lush gardens of the Zoological Society. The Rufaiah tribe, from whom these remarkable individuals hail, are said to possess the ancient secret of serpent-charming, passed down through generations. The Egyptian cobra, or taban nouascher, is depicted in the image, its hood spread wide, ready to strike. Yet, the serpent-charmers remain unfazed, their fearlessness evident as they manipulate the snake with apparent ease. The young boy, the more active of the two, is seen handling the cobra with deftness and confidence, while the old man, Jabar Abou Haijab, looks on, offering support. Jabar, revered as the father of the profession in Egypt, has spent his entire life mastering the art of snake lore. His expertise is on full display as he and the boy entertain the curious onlookers, their performance a testament to their unique skill and unwavering courage. The Illustrated London News reported on this spectacle in 1850, documenting the Rufaiah's ability to handle the most venomous species without harm. Their mesmerizing act, a blend of fearlessness and artistry, continues to fascinate audiences even today, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of snake charming.
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