Pueblo clowns

What it is

The Pueblo clowns are ritual jesters found in the religious practices of the Pueblo people. This term covers a variety of specific figures, each with a unique name and role depending on the mesa or pueblo. They belong to separate secret societies called kivas. These individuals act as tricksters during ceremonies. Their purpose is to maintain social order through performance. They are not merely entertainers but hold serious ceremonial duties. The figures vary by group, with some known as Koshare or mudheads. Each clown society has its own distinct identity and methods of presentation.

Where it comes from

These figures are part of the broader Pueblo religion. Historical records note a 1656 incident where a Hopi man impersonated a Franciscan priest at Awat'ovi. Scholars consider this an early example of Pueblo clowning. Anthropologists like Adolf Bandelier and Elsie Clews Parsons studied these roles extensively. Bandelier wrote about them in his 1890 book, The Delight Makers. Parsons also documented their significance in Pueblo Indian Religion.

How it is done

Clowns perform monthly rituals throughout the year. Some acts focus on rain, while others occur in November for the gods or curing societies. To deliver social commentary, the clown's identity must usually remain hidden. Unlike many other masked performers, these clowns do not wear masks. Instead, they use body paint and head dresses. The Chiffoneti wear black and white horizontal stripes on their bodies and faces. They paint black circles around their eyes and mouths. Their hair is parted in the center and bound into two upright bunches trimmed with corn husks. Mudheads cover their bodies in pinkish clay and wear matching cotton bags over their heads.

Tools and materials

The primary tools are visual disguises made from natural materials. Performers use body paint to create patterns like stripes and circles. Head dresses are often constructed from corn husks. Mudheads utilize pinkish clay to coat their skin and cotton bags for head coverings. These items serve to conceal the performer's identity. The visual effect creates a distinct character separate from everyday life. The materials are simple but effective for creating the required ceremonial appearance.

What it is for

The clowns provide humorous interpretation of popular culture. They reinforce taboos and communicate traditions. Their actions help defuse community tensions. In Hopi belief, certain clowns were feared as sources of public criticism. They censure behavior that does not align with community standards. They teach through their actions during religious dances. The figures act as a check on social conduct. Their satire targets non-conformity and reinforces tribal norms.

Who does it

Specific orders exist within different Pueblo groups. The Chiffoneti are known among the Keres as Koshare and by the Tewa as Kʼohsaa. The Zuñi call them Newekwe, while the Jemez know them as Tabösh. Among the Hopi and Tewa, there are four distinct clowns: Koyi'msĭ, Chüʳkü'wĭmkya, Pai'yakyamü, and Pi'ptuyakyamü. The Kosha is described as a sacred being appearing in religious dances. These individuals are chosen from within the community. They undergo training within their respective kivas. The roles are passed down through these secret societies.

Peoples and places

The practice is widespread among various Pueblo peoples. The Hopi and Tewa have four distinct clown types. The Keres people recognize the Koshare. The Zuñi have the Newekwe. The Jemez know the Tabösh. Each group has unique names and specific roles. The Chiffoneti order is one of the best known across these groups. The variations reflect the diversity of Pueblo cultures. Despite differences, all share the role of ritual jesters enforcing social norms.

What people believe

The clowns are seen as sacred beings within the Pueblo religion. They appear in religious dances to perform ceremonial roles. Their actions are believed to teach spiritual lessons. The figures are part of the ceremonial structure. They are not considered mere actors but participants in sacred events. Their ability to criticize and censure is tied to their sacred status. The community accepts their role in maintaining spiritual and social balance.

When it is done

Performances occur during monthly rituals. Specific acts are timed for summer to encourage rain. Other rituals take place in November for the gods. The clowns also participate in curing society ceremonies. Their presence is integral to the seasonal and monthly calendar of Pueblo religious life.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Anthropologists have extensively studied these figures. Adolf Bandelier noted that the Tsuku were feared by the Hopi. He viewed them as sources of public criticism against non-Hopi behavior. Elsie Clews Parsons also documented their societal function. Scholars see their role as helping to defuse community tensions. They provide a humorous outlet for social commentary. Their work reinforces taboos and communicates traditions. The academic view emphasizes their importance in cultural boundary maintenance.

Compare and confuse

The Heyoka is a related figure in other Native American traditions. Both serve as ritual clowns and tricksters. However, the Pueblo clowns are specific to the Pueblo religion. The Heyoka belongs to different cultural contexts. The comparison highlights the shared role of the sacred clown in indigenous religions.

Questions people ask about Pueblo clowns

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Pueblo clown on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data