33 Amazing Vintage Photos of Female Circus Snake Charmers From the Early 20th Century

The earliest snake charmers were likely traditional healers by trade. As part of their training, they learned to treat snake bites. Many also learned how to handle snakes, and people called on them to remove snakes from their homes. The practice eventually spread to nearby regions, ultimately reaching North Africa and Southeast Asia.

The early 20th century proved something of a golden age for snake charmers. Governments promoted the practice to draw tourism, and snake charmers were often sent overseas to perform at cultural festivals and for private patrons. In addition, the charmers provided a valuable source of snake venom for creating antivenins.