Impossible

[RonH]

Recently in mid Europe, I saw this 'street act' ... how is it possible?? They stayed in this position for at least 30 min with very slight movement ...they were real folk I looked everywhere around them to spot the 'obvious' but no wires, no poles stuck up somewhere etc. Must be some form of meditation ... would like some of this mind over matter

[Shadowman]

Did you wait for the dismount? Nice image.

[dubaiphil]

Good catch!

Presumably with their baggy tops they are each harnessed in there somewhere?

[dan marchant]

Yep they will have a harness/frame in there somewhere. Penn and Teller would almost certainly be able to give a detailed description.

[GrahamH]

Well known exhibition (scam). They have the frame within the pole (and extending to form a seat under the upper person) and around the lower guy.
Usually only one guy so the framing is easier. These are somewhat more creatively arranged.
As long as it is just an exhibition where people know it is a trick, I have no problems with it.
My main issue is when the gullible actually believe it to be real.
Real potential for fraud.

As an image, I would probably be quite happy donating a few shekels - the same I would as if I was taking pics of a woman being sawn in half. It's the Uri Gellers of this world I object to, trying to make it seem as if they have extra-ordinary abilities and it's not just a trick.

I am assuming the OP was being deliberate in his 'considerations' for amusement (so difficult to tell in writing).
Graham

[Shadowman]

Well known exhibition (scam). They have the frame within the pole (and extending to form a seat under the upper person) and around the lower guy.
Usually only one guy so the framing is easier. These are somewhat more creatively arranged.
As long as it is just an exhibition where people know it is a trick, I have no problems with it.
My main issue is when the gullible actually believe it to be real.
Real potential for fraud.

As an image, I would probably be quite happy donating a few shekels - the same I would as if I was taking pics of a woman being sawn in half. It's the Uri Gellers of this world I object to, trying to make it seem as if they have extra-ordinary abilities and it's not just a trick.

I am assuming the OP was being deliberate in his 'considerations' for amusement (so difficult to tell in writing).
Graham

I prefer the living statues myself, so much fun waiting around to see if they will move.

[Glenn NK]

Or as someone once said, "All those who believe in telekinesis / levitation, raise my right hand".

Glenn

[RonH]

I prefer the living statues myself, so much fun waiting around to see if they will move.

Statue or not?


Being a bit thick I eventually realised that this was real body 'cause of the begging bowl

Thanks all for your above comments ... I knew that the 'pole' men had some tricks up their sleeves

[Kris V]

Statue or not?


Being a bit thick I eventually realised that this was real body 'cause of the begging bowl

I've seen this type of "statue" a few times in Bourbon Street, N.O.
Can't help but admire their patience and endurance. Just try to stand still without moving for even 5 minutes - let alone 30 minutes or an hour.

[Ken MT]

As seen at the Sydney motor show