Sacred clown (Kachina)

A Sacred Clown, or Kachina, is a spiritual figure in Hopi and other Pueblo Native American cultures, embodying teachings, traditions, and natural elements. They often appear in ceremonial dances, wearing elaborate costumes and masks that symbolize deities, animals, or natural forces. Their role is to entertain, educate, and remind communities of moral values, the importance of harmony with nature, and spiritual beliefs. Kachinas serve as messengers between humans and the divine, fostering community cohesion and spiritual continuity through ritual performances that preserve cultural heritage.