The Keepers of Tradition: Clown Societies in the Casas Grandes and Puebloan Worlds

Clown societies among the Casas Grandes culture, centered in Chihuahua, Mexico, played a significant role during the Medio Period (AD 1200–1450), with potential influence on the development of Puebloan clown societies. These clowns, often seen as avatars of Sun Youth, were integral to governance, katsina ritualism, medicine societies, and the agricultural cycle. The study combines archaeological, ethnohistorical, and ethnological data from the U.S. Southwest and northwest Mexico to uncover their complex roles and societal significance.

Mathiowetz, M. D. (2025). The Keepers of Tradition: Clown Societies in the Casas Grandes and Puebloan Worlds. Kiva, 91(2), 147–179. https://doi.org/10.1080/00231940.2025.2461803