The most ancient clowns have been found in the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt, around 2400 BC. Unlike court jesters, clowns have traditionally served a socio-religious and psychological role, … See more

There are different types of clowns portrayed around the world. They include
• Auguste
• Blackface
• Buffoon
• Harlequin
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• Joseph Grimaldi as Clown, showing his own make-up design (1820)
• Actor in a clown costume (c. 1870)
• The Italian Pagliaccio of c. 1600 (Maurice Sand, Masques et … See more

• List of clowns
• Bouffon
• Clown car See more

The World Clown Association is a worldwide organization for clowns, jugglers, magicians, and face painters. It holds an annual convention, mainly in the United States. See more

Roles and skills
In the circus, a clown might perform other circus roles or skills. Clowns may perform such skills as tightrope, juggling, unicycling, Master of Ceremonies, or ride an animal. Clowns may also "sit in" with the See more

• Berger, Peter L. (1997), Redeeming Laughter: The Comic Dimension of Human Experience, Walter de Gruyter, ISBN 3-11-015562-1 See more