Martini Maccomo | |
|---|---|
 Photograph of Maccomo | |
| Born | Between 1835 and 1840 Portuguese Angola (reputedly) |
| Died | 11 January 1871 Sunderland, England |
| Occupation | Lion tamer |
Martini Maccomo (died 11 January 1871) was a lion tamer in Victorian Britain. He performed with William Manders' menagerie from around 1854 and remained the group's key attraction until his death. His act involved pursuing lions and tigers around a cage utilising whips, pistols and knuckledusters.[1] The performances were renowned for their danger, and attacks on Maccomo by the animals were often reported on in newspapers. He was portrayed as a noble savage with stereotypical "African" dress, although he later moved away from this characterization. He was known for his coolness of nerve in the ring and his mild-mannered nature outside it. Maccomo died in Sunderland in 1871.[2]
- ^ "The story of Martini Maccomo, a black lion tamer in Sunderland - Primary History". NASBTT. Retrieved 15 February 2025.
- ^ "Looking Back: Death of Maccomo, the lion-tamer". Darlington and Stockton Times. 16 January 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2025.