Ella Williams (1865–1928) the "African Giantess"

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The person in the image is Ella Williams (1865–1928), who became an international celebrity under the stage name Madame Abomah, the "African Giantess".

Key Details
Who: Born Ella Grigsby in South Carolina to formerly enslaved parents, she adopted the surname Williams from her employers as a teenager. She was promoted as a member of the legendary Dahomey Amazons, though this was a fictional backstory created by her manager, Frank Bostock.

When: Born in October 1865, she began her professional touring career in 1896. Her international fame peaked in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and she continued performing until her retirement in the 1920s.

Where: Originally from South Carolina, she spent over 30 years touring across Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. This specific photograph was a promotional souvenir taken during her time in the United Kingdom, likely around 1911.

Height and Physical Presence
Ella's height was reportedly triggered by a bout of malaria at age 14, after which she began to grow at an extraordinary rate.

Reported Height: Promotional materials often claimed she was over 8 feet tall.
Actual Height: Historical analysis and contemporary reports suggest her true height was likely between 6 feet 10 inches and 7 feet 6 inches.
Measurements: At one point, she was reported to weigh approximately 350 lbs (160 kg).

Madame Abomah was celebrated not just for her height, but for her regal elegance and dignity. She maintained an expensive and sophisticated wardrobe and was also known for her talented soprano singing voice.