walrus mustache

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche had a unique walrus-handlebar moustache.

Vibrissae of captive walrus (Japan)

The walrus moustache is characterized by whiskers that are thick and bushy in nature. Its name derives from the fact that the whiskers usually droop over the mouth, giving an appearance to the human face that is very similar to that of a walrus.^[1]

History

At various times in history, the walrus moustache has been extremely popular with men of all economic status. The walrus moustache was reported as an ethnic trait of Celts and Gaulish people and enjoyed immense popularity among men in the latter part of the 19th century and early years of the 20th century, but faded in popularity by the 1920s.^[1] However, it enjoyed a temporary resurgence during the youth counterculture revolution of the 1960s. Gentlemen ranging from scientists to philosophers to politicians often favored the rugged look that the style created. At the same time, the walrus moustache was considered to be highly practical, in that it was relatively easy to maintain. Some proponents went as far as to consider the walrus moustache as a practical health mechanism, serving as a shield against dirt particles entering the mouth. Today, the walrus moustache is considered more of a quirky look than one of refinement, and is worn by very few men engaged in such work as public service or other high profile positions.^[1]

Styles

There is some variation on the exact style of the walrus moustache. In some instances, the facial hair not only drops over the mouth, but also extends downward at each corner of the mouth. The hair line may wrap around the cheeks and connect to sideburns that are of the same thickness as the moustache proper, as worn by Ambrose Burnsides.^[1]

Among the more prominent historical figures to employ the walrus moustache are United States president Chester A. Arthur, and the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Arthur tended to favor the walrus moustache style that focused on covering the mouth, but did not include prominent sideburns. By contrast, Nietzsche often sported a prominent walrus and handlebar combination that has come to be utilized in popular culture as the stereotype for the look of a deep thinker.^[1]

21st President of the United States Chester A. Arthur (second from the right) and other men displaying distinct walrus moustaches, which were common at the time.

Famous men with walrus moustaches

• Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria^[2]

• Baxter Black - American cowboy, poet, philosopher, former large-animal veterinarian, and radio commentator

• Bob Weir - American singer, songwriter, and guitarist (Grateful Dead)

• Captain Kangaroo (Bob Keeshan) - American TV Host Captain Kangaroo

• Chester A. Arthur - 21st President of the United States

• Craig Stadler - American professional golfer

• David Crosby - American guitarist, singer, and songwriter

• Dick Strawbridge - British engineer, television presenter and environmentalist

• Earl Hickey (fictional) - My Name Is Earl American TV show protagonist and narrator

• Emiliano Zapata - Leading figure in the Mexican Revolution

• Friedrich Nietzsche - German philosopher

• George Armstrong Custer - United States Army cavalry commander in the American Civil War and Indian Wars

• Grover Cleveland - 22nd and 24th President of the United States

• Doctor Ivo Robotnik (fictional) - Main antagonist of the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series.

• Jack Levin - Professor of Sociology and Criminology at Northeastern University

• Jamie Hyneman - American visual effects expert and TV Host MythBusters

• James Sorel-Cameron - English novelist

• John R. Bolton - American diplomat

• Józef Piłsudski - Polish revolutionary, former Chief of State of the Republic of Poland, 19th and 24th Prime Minister of the Republic of Poland

• Lanny McDonald - Retired NHL player

• Lech Wałęsa - Polish politician, 2nd President of the Third Republic of Poland

• Mark Sainsbury - New Zealand television presenter

• Mark Twain - American author

• Matsukata Masayoshi - Japanese politician, 4th and 6th Prime Minister of Japan

• Merv Hughes - Former Australian cricket player

• Mike Holmgren - NFL head coach

• Otto von Bismarck - 19th Century European statesman, 23rd Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Prussia, 9th and 11th Minister President of the Kingdom of Prussia, 1st Chancellor of the German Empire

• Paul Teutul, Sr. - Motorcycle designer and builder, star of TV series American Chopper

• Sam Elliott - American actor

• Snazin Smith - American voice actor and former member of Pigface

• Stephen Kiel - American performing stage illusionist

• Suematsu Kenchō - Japanese politician

• The Lorax (fictional) - Dr. Seuss character

• Theodore Roosevelt - 26th President of the United States

• Todd Jones - Retired MLB pitcher

• Vernon Dursley (fictional) - Harry's uncle in the Harry Potter series.

• Wilford Brimley - American actor

• Wyatt Earp - American gunslinger

• Colonel Blimp (fictional) - Satirical character created by David Low

References