The popularity of tattooing during the late 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century owed much to the circus. When circuses prospered, tattooing prospered. When circuses went bankrupt, tattooed people and artists were out of work.For over 70 years every major circus employed several completely tattooed people. Some were exhibited in sideshows, other performed in traditional circus acts such as juggling and sword swallowing.