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| *<cite>Gypsies, Wanderers of the World</cite>, Bart McDowell, Photographs by Bruce Dale, National Geographic Society, 1970, hardback illustrated by photographs, 215 pages. | *<cite>Gypsies, Wanderers of the World</cite>, Bart McDowell, Photographs by Bruce Dale, National Geographic Society, 1970, hardback illustrated by photographs, 215 pages. | ||
| *<cite>National Geographic</cite>, April, 2001, "Gypsies, The World's Outsiders," pp. 72-101. | *<cite>National Geographic</cite>, April, 2001, "Gypsies, The World's Outsiders," pp. 72-101. | ||
| '''External Links''' | |||
| *http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Organizations/Ethnic/Romani/ | |||
Revision as of 11:55, 9 June 2002
The Roma (or Romany) and Sinti (also called Kalé) are nomadic peoples found throughout Europe. Collectively they are popularly referred to as 'Gypsies'. However, the use of this term is increasingly looked down on. The term originates in the mistaken belief that they come from Egypt (they in fact come from India), was never used by the Roma and Sinti to describe themselves (rather it was imposed by outsiders), has long been associated with persecution, and fails to recognize that the Roma and Sinti form distinct (although related) ethnic groups. Often both groups are referred to as 'Roma', but it is mistaken to call the Sinti this. The Tzigane are a sub-group of the Roma.
They have their own language, called Romany. Analysis of the Romany language has shown that it is related to those spoken in northern India, such as Hindi and Punjabi, which is believed to indicate their true geographical origin. Loan words in Roma make it possible to trace the pattern of their migration west. Body habitus and ABO blood group distribution is also consistent with northern Indian warrior classes.
The Roma are believed to have left India about 1000 A.D. and to have passed though what is now Afganistan, Persia, Armenia, and Turkey. People recognizable by other Roma as Roma still live as far east as Iran, including some who made the migration to Europe and returned. It is virtually impossible to identify Roma still living in India. By the 14th century Roma had reached the Balkans and by the 16th century Scotland and Sweden. Some Roma migrated south through Syria to North Africa.
Their principal occupations over the centuries have been as itinerant peddlars, metal workers and horse dealers. When they first arrived in Europe their (relatively) dark skins caused many Europeans to believe that they were natives of Egypt - the only hot foreign country most had heard of. Hence they they were referred to as `Egyptians' , from which the term `gypsy' is derived.
Roma and Sinti were widely believed to have psychic powers (see the popular stereotype of the Gypsy fortune-teller), and some romantics attribute the invention of the Tarot cards to them. This may reflect the belief that the Rom and Sinti, being of Egyptian origin, had knowledge of lost arts and sciences of the ancient Egyptians.
Because of their nomadic life-style, there has always been a great deal of mutual distrust between the Roma and Sinti and their less mobile neighbours: they were, and frequently still are, popularly believed to be thieves, resulting in a great deal of persecution. This belief is the etymological source of the term 'gyp', meaning 'cheat', as in "I got gypped by a con man."
This distrust reached a peak in World War II when the Nazis murdered large numbers of Roma and Sinti - they were one of the major groups (along with Jews, communists, homosexuals, prostitutes, etc.) that automatically got sentenced to imprisonment in a concentration camp. It is believed that between 600,000 and 2 million (about 70% of Rom population) were killed.
Roma are notable for their colorful attire and active demeanor. Where possible they continue their nomadic lifestyle traveling in caravans (small trailer houses), but in many situations in Eastern Europe live in depressed squatter communities with very high unemployment. In some cases, notably, the Kalderash clan in Romania, traditional coppersmiths, they have prospered.
Further Reading
- Gypsies, Wanderers of the World, Bart McDowell, Photographs by Bruce Dale, National Geographic Society, 1970, hardback illustrated by photographs, 215 pages.
- National Geographic, April, 2001, "Gypsies, The World's Outsiders," pp. 72-101.
External Links