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The Disturbing 200 Years of Exploitation of Her African Buttoks for Europe’s Entertainment
The Tragic Life of “Hottentot Venus” ~Sara Baartman
The dark history of the hypersexual portrayal of black women and their treatment as objects for sexual consumption dates back to 19th-century Europe.
The dehumanization took a disturbing turn when Sarah Baartman was paraded before crowds like an object to be gawked at. She was treated as nothing more than a spectacle for curious and mocking crowds.
A halter wasn’t always placed around her neck, but the control over her was just as strong.
Could Sarah Baartman’s story have been avoided, or was it a product of a world that saw her as less than human? And what became of Sarah after the world was done using her?
Sarah Baartman, also known as Saartjie, was born in Sawtche, 1789, South Africa. She was from the Khoikhoi tribe, which was known for herding cattle in the region.
Sarah’s parents were slaves on a colonial farm. Her mother died when she was two. Her father was killed by bushmen when she was a teenager.
Sarah grew into a hardworking and independent young girl. She married young to a drummer from her tribe. Sarah gave birth to her first child, but the…
