Well, this is certainly something, isn’t it? In the 19th century, these strange combinations of monkey and fish were passed off as real mermaids at sideshows. The most famous example was displayed by showman P.T. Barnum in the 1840s. He claimed it was a genuine mermaid from the South Pacific, but in reality, it was just a creepy and clever bit of taxidermy. The mummified look made it all the more convincing. The way the specimen was blended together gave it an eerie sense of realism. Otherwise, it would’ve just looked like a monkey and a fish slapped together (which, to be fair, it was, but that’s beside the point). Even though it was fake, it drew huge crowds because it looked just real enough to stir curiosity and wonder. But did Barnum really find it in Fiji? Did Fiji have any reputation or cultural connection to mermaids? Not particularly. He just thought “Feejee” sounded exotic and had a good ring to it. Over the years, plenty of Feejee Mermaids have been made. Almost all used different species of monkeys and fish, which means each one turned out a little different. That left a wide range of weird and unique specimens floating around. This replica was made by a Hollywood prop studio and really captures the original vibe of the Feejee Mermaid. The latex skin feels surprisingly real while still keeping the dried, mummified look of the historical versions. If you’re looking to make a huge splash in your collection (sorry, we couldn’t help it), this is one way to do it. At over 3 feet long, it would fit right in with any display of oddities. Important Shipping Info For Oversized Items: Please Note: Oversized items like this do not qualify for the free shipping discount. We will work to find you the best shipping rate and invoice you once it’s determined. Our in-house rates are typically lower than what you’d find at your local shipping store, as we regularly send out packages. Once your item is packed and ready, we’ll invoice you for the shipping. If the cost is more than you’re comfortable with, you can cancel your order at no charge. We’ll do our best to provide a ballpark estimate in advance to help expedite the process. For more information about our shipping policies, please see our shipping page. Please note: Oversized head mounts are available for pick-up only or if you arrange your own shipping. However, we do offer a reliable and affordable shipping option and can also work with a provider of your choice. For more information, please click here. We can also work with a shipping provider of your choosing. If you have questions, please contact us
