African court jesters typically exhibited some physical difference from the norm whether it was in being of short statue or having a hump. Their duties were telling jokes, praising the rulers and making sharp comments. They often moved in a strange way - either exaggerated or nimble -  and played some musical instrument. Above all they used wit, puns and riddles.

This bronze jester has a horn and a jug of wine. His crown has 3 monkeys on it.

This figure just finished acting as a prop in a major motion picture about P.T. Barnum. The film "Greatest Showman on Earth"  starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Michelle Williams will be released Dec 2017.