the curing power of the clown: a religious concept among many N. American Indians (esp. the Pueblo and Iroquois). clowns (those who indulge in "contrary behaviour": jesters/actors and ceremony dancers) are believed to have great powers of eyesight and can even see the kachina (supernatural beings. the mythical ancestors of present human beings who revisit the earth during winter months. while on earth the kachina impersonate male dancers wearing masks. it is also a legend that when dancers impersonating the kachina are killed, they become deer) in their distant places. these "clowns" gave out cures to their peoples and certain clown groups were renowned for different cures. the Ne'wekwe clowns were known for eating anything (including stones, sticks, ashes, small live animals...to show their powerful abilities). the clowns of Taos called the "black eyes" were known for their great medicine to cure babies.  (see Clown Medicine P.237 Standard Dict. of Folklore Mythology & Legend)

the shamen in ancient african culture, in practicing an exorcism would drip blood taken from the afflicted onto a goat. the goat was then driven from the village into the bush to die, taking the affliction with it. use and possible origin  of the word scapegoat.