Clowns and Tricksters: An Encyclopedia of Tradition and Culture - Hardcover

by Kimberly A. Christen (Author), Sam D. Gill (Editor), Kimberly A. Christen (Editor)

Clowns and tricksters are well-known figures in cultures throughout the world. In Western culture the clown conjures up images of carnivals and foolish characters in face paint. In non-Western cultures, clowns hold privileged status in religious ceremonies and origin myths. Tricksters on the other hand are identified as disobedient, obscene, disrespectful, funny, powerful, paradoxical characters in almost every culture in which they are found.

Author Biography

K'mberly Chr'sten

K'mberly A. Chr'sten 's adjunct 'nstructor 'n the Rel'g'ous Stud'es Department at Ar'zona State Un'vers'ty. She 's also a doctoral cand'date 'n the Rel'g'ous Stud'es Department at the Un'vers'ty of Colorado, Boulder.

Sam G'll

Sam D. G'll 's Professor of Rel'g'ous Stud'es at the Un'vers'ty of Colorado, Boulder.