The Fiji ''Mermaid''

By Crusader1307

Possibly the oldest fake Cryptid known, The Fiji Mermaid story goes back to 1842. Part of American P.T. Barnum (of later Circus fame), exhibited this find at his Museum in New York City. It was lost during the Great Museum Fire of 1857. The Mermaid legend was a staple with Sailors from around the World (without question). In fact, a brisk trade is selling what were perceived to be real remains of preserved Mermaids and Men became quite popular. A Merchant Sea Captain purchased the Fiji version in 1822 for $6,000 (USD). Displayed in London in 1823, most of the purchase money was recouped quite easily. American Showman P.T. Barnum came to lease The Mermaid for $12.50 per week (to display at his American Museum of Wonders , in New York). Although no one seriously believed that the carcass was actually a Mermaid, Barnum began a campaign in which he produced long and lengthy letters and documents establishing the linage of the creature. Barnum made much money on The Fiji Mermaid before it as lost in a museum fire. Just what was the Mermaid. Pictures and drawing (plus example from past Eras), show it be a mummified body of a fish sewn to a mammal (possible a primate of some type).