This encyclopedia surveys, from a cross-cultural perspective, the similarities and differences between clowns and tricksters in world cultures. It presents each character in the context of the culture in which he or she is found.

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.