Romani-Guide-art

Stefan's Florilegium

Romani-Guide-art

Romani-Guide-art - 9/10/19

"A Consultation Herald's Guide to Romani Persona" by Honorable Lady Castellana de Andalusia.

NOTE: See also the files: Gypsies-art, Gypsies-msg, Gypsies-lnks, Gypsy-tmeline-art, Balkans-msg, East-Eur-msg, Hungary-msg, India-msg.

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NOTICE -

This article was added to this set of files, called Stefan's Florilegium, with the permission of the author.

These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org

While the author will likely give permission for this work to be reprinted in SCA type publications, please check with the author first or check for any permissions granted at the end of this file.

Thank you,

Mark S. Harris...AKA:..Stefan li Rous

stefan at florilegium.org

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A Consultation Herald's Guide to Romani Persona

by Honorable Lady Castellana de Andalusia

Where and When: Time and Place

Developing a Romani persona presents some unique difficulties. First, the client usually has chosen the "gypsy" because they did not want to go to the trouble to choose a time and place. Unfortunately, this is based on the misinterpretation of the terms 'Nomadic' and 'Migratory.' During a single person's life he/she would have mainly stayed in one country/kingdom moving from town to town following the fairs and festivals in a migratory fashion. The Romani people, however, were evicted from various countries at various times making them a nomadic culture. Choosing a time when the Romani were living in a particular country requires some research into their history.

Here is a Chronology of the Romani throughout Eastern and Western Europe. The first recordings of the Romani in a particular area are highlighted in red. The first 'Anti-Gypsy' laws in a particular area are highlighted in green.

Before 400. Some Indians become nomadic craftsmen and entertainers. (Patrin)'

430-443. The Persian poet Firdawsi reports in the Shah-Nameh (Book of Kings), written c.1000, how the Persian Shah Bahram Gur persuades the Indian King Shangul to send him 10,000 Luri musicians to be distributed to the various parts of the Persian kingdom. (Patrin)'

About the year 420 before our era, Behram Gour, a wise and beneficent prince of the Sassanide dynasty [226B.C. – A.D. 641], realized that his poor subjects were pining away for lack of amusement. He sought a means of reviving their spirits and of providing some distraction from their hard lives. With this end in mind he sent a diplomatic mission to Shankal King of Cambodia and Maharajah of India, and begged him to choose among his subjects and send to him in Persia persons capable by their talents of alleviating the burden of existence and able to spread a charm over the monotony of work. Behram Gour soon assembled twelve thousand itinerant minstrels, men and women, assigned lands to them, supplying them with corn and livestock, in order that they should have the wherewithal to live in certain areas which he would designate; and so be able to amuse his people at no cost. At the end of the first year these people had neglected agriculture, consumed the corn seed and found themselves without resources. Dehram was angry and commanded that their asses and musical instruments be taken away, and that they should roam the country and earn their livelihood by singing. As a consequences, these men, the Luri, roamed the world to find who would employ them, taking with them dogs and wolves, and thieving night and day."'

661. In the Arab Empire, Caliph Muawiya deports Zott from Basra to Antioch on the Mediterranean cost. (Kenrick)'

c. 710 Caliph Yazid II sends still more Zott to Antioch. (Kenrick)'

820-834. Zott state established on the banks of the River Tigris (Patrin, Kenrick)'

834. The Zott are defeated by the Arabs and many of them relocate to Ainzarba. (Kenrick)'

855. The Battle of Ainzarba was fought. The Greeks defeated the Arabs and took the Zott soldiers and their families as prisoners of war to Byzantium. (Kenrick)'

1001-1026. Sindh and the Panjab in India are invaded some seventeen times by a mixed army of Turko-Persian Ghaznivid troops led by King Mahmud from Ghazni (present-day eastern Iran). Indian resistance, in the form of the Rajput warriors, is fierce, but King Mahmud is victorious and takes half a million slaves. (Patrin)'

c. 1000. Roma reach the Byzantine Empire (modern Greece and Turkey). (Patrin)'

c. 1050. Acrobats and animal doctors called 'Athingani' are active in Constantinople. (Kenrick)'

1192. The Battle of Terain is fought in India and the last Indian nomads leave for the west. (Kenrick)'

c.1200. The canonist Theodore Balsamon describes the canon LXI of the Council in Trulho (692) which threatens a six-year excommunication for any member of the Church (including Athinganoi) from displaying bears or other animals for amusement or by telling fortunes. (Patrin)'

1290. Romani shoemakers are recorded in Greece residing on Mount Athos. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

c.1300. The Romani Aresajipe; the arrival of Roma in Europe. (Patrin)'

Romani groups begin to be enslaved in southeast Europe. (Patrin)'

1322. Roma are recorded on the island of Crete. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1347. The Black Death reaches Constantinople and the 'Aresajipe/Athinganoi/Athingani' move west again. (Kenrick)'

1348. Roma are recorded in Prizren, Serbia. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

Jules Bloch reports the presence of Cingarije in Serbia "they are shoeing smiths or harness makers and pay an annual tribute of forty horses shoes." (Clebert cites Bloch's Les Tsiganes)'

1362. Roma are recorded in Dubrovnik, Croatia. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1373. Roma are recorded on the island of Corfu. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1378. Roma are recorded living in villages near Rila Monastery, Bulgaria. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

The judicial chronicles at Zagreb, record the appearance before the court of many Cygans, particularly butchers. (Clebert cites Bloch)'

The Venetian Governor of Nauplia in the Peloponnese confirms the local 'Acingani' in the privileges already accorded by his predecessors. (Clebert cites Bloch)'

1384. Romani shoemakers are recorded in Modon, Greece. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1385. The first recorded transaction of Roma slaves in Romania. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1387. Mircea the Great of Wallachia indicates that Roma have been in that country for over one hundred years. (Patrin)'

Hasdeu, the Roumanian philologist and historian, tells that Mircea the Great presented forty families of Transylvanian Tzgines to the monastery of Tisman, and three hundred Tzgine families to the monastery of Cosia. (Bercovici)'

1383. Roma are recorded in Hungary. (Patrin)'

1399. The First Roma was mentioned in a Bohemian chronicle. (Kenrick, Clebert)'

c.1400. In Bulgaria, Roma are reported "living in large numbers" along the Albanian coast. (Patrin)'

1407. Roma are recorded at Hildesheim, Germany. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1416. Roma are expelled from the Meissen region of Germany. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1417-1423. King Sigismund of Hungary issues safe-conduct orders at Spis Castle for travelling Roma. (Patrin) (Kenrick mentions safe conduct to the Roma in Lindau.) (Clebert dates King Sigismund letter as 1493)'

1417. Gypsies appear in Germany claiming they came from Egypt, through Hungary. (Bercovici)'

1418. Roma are recorded in Colmar, France. (Patrin)'

First Roma arrive in Switzerland (Knerick)'

1419. Roma are recorded in Antwerp, Belgium. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

A group presented themselves at the gates of Sisteron, on the river Durance, in France. They were given the name Sarrasins (Saracens) but, in spite of the sharply pejorative appellation, proof was given of a hospitality offered to them. They received provisions and the right to camp. (Clebert)'

1420. Roma are recorded in Deventer, Holland. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1422. Roma are recorded in Rome and Bologna (Patrin, Kenrick, Clebert)'

The first mention of Papal letters in the hands of Gypsies is ascribed to July 16^th, 1422 in a Swiss Chronicle:'

"on that day Duke Michael of Egypt and his followers are said to have produced to the citizens of Basle' good letters of safe conduct from the Pope and our lord the king and from other lords." (Fraser, pg 71)'

1423. Roma are recorded in Spissky, Slovakia. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

Andrew 'Duke of Little Egypt' and his followers set of to visit Pope Martin V in Rome. (Kenrick)'

1425. Roma are recorded in Zaragoza, Spain. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1427. Hundreds of Roma arrive at the gates of Paris. The city sends them on to the town of Pontoise in less than a month. (Patrin, Bercovici)'

Le Journal d'un Bourgeois de Paris, an anonymous yet invaluable document describes the event:'

On Sunday 17 August, twelve penitents, as they said, came to Paris: there were a duke, a count and ten men, all on horseback, who said they were Christians and natives of Lower Egypt. … They had hoped to remain in those countries (Germany and Poland), but the Emperor and his allies held council not to allow them there without the consent of the Pope, and had sent them to Rome to see the Holy Father… The Pope deliberated with his council and gave them as penance that they should roam the earth for seven years without sleeping in a bed. … He then handed them letters patent with these decisions for the prelatives concerned, gave them his blessing, and they went on their way. … They had already been traveling for five years before their arrival in Paris. The common herd- a hundred or a hundred and twenty men, women, and children-… their entrance into Paris was forbidden and they were accommodated at La Chapelle-Saint Denise… When they were established at La Chapelle, more people than ever had been seen at the benediction of Lendit (The Famous Fair) … In truth their children were incredible shrewd; and the majorit, indeed nearly all of them had there ears pierced and in each wore one or two silver rings. They said this was the fashion in their country. … The men were very dark and their hair was crisp. The women were the ugliest and the swarthiest one could see. They had sores on their faces (tattoos) and black hair a horses tail. They were clad in flaussaie, a corse old material attached to the shoulder by a thick band of cloth or cord; their only linen was an old blouse or shirt. … In spite of their poverty their were amoung them witches who, looking at people's hands, revealed the past and foretold the future."'

(Clebert)'

1439. The records of Siegburg, a little to the north of Bonn, contains frequent gifts to Gypsies, but now they are thought to have been bribes to induce them to go away. (Fraser)'

Starting in 1441. In some towns, such as Hamburg, Germany (1441-68_ and Hildesheim, Germany (1442 and 1454) alms continued to be handed over but with no hospitality. (Fraser)'

1445. Prince Vlad Dracul of Wallachia transports some 12,000 persons "who looked like Egyptians" from Bulgaria for slave labor. (Patrin)'

1447. First record of Roma in Catalonia. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1449. Roma are driven out of the city of Frankfurt-am-Main. (Patrin, Fraser)'

1453. The Turks Capture Constantinople and more Roma flee westward. (Kenrick)'

A Roma smith is reported in Slovenia. (Kenrick)'

1456. In the Diocese of Troyes, there were several instances when ecclesiastical penalties were imposed on those who had their hands read or resorted to the healing crafts of the Gypsies. (Fraser)'

A doctor, Jophann Hartlieb, author of a book on palmistry, urged the Duke to get rid of the Gypsies because of their lack of scientific method in reading palms. (Fraser)'

1468. Roma are recorded in Cyprus. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1471. The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in Lucerne, Switzerland. (Patrin, Kenrick, Fraser)'

17,000 Roma are transported into Moldavia by Stephan the Great for slave labor. (Patrin)'

1472. Duke Friedrich of the Rhine Palatinate asks his people to help Roma pilgrims. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1476 and 1487. King Matthias of Slovakia issues safe-conduct orders for travelling Roma. (Patrin)'

1482. The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in state of Brandenburg. (Patrin)'

1485. Roma are recorded in Sicily. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1489. Roma musicians are reported on Czepel Island, Hungary. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1492 and 1496. King Vladislav of Slovakia issues safe-conduct orders for travelling Roma. (Patrin)'

1492. The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in Spain. (Patrin) (Kenrick mentions that the first drafts of these laws were written in1492. The laws did not go into effect until 1499.)'

1493. Roma are expelled from Milan. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

A Dated letter of protection reads:'

We, Sigismund… King of Hungary, Bohemia, Dalmatia, Croatia and of other places… Our faithful Ladislas, Voivode of the Gypsies and others dependent on him have humbly besought Us to bear witness of our special benevolence. It has pleased Us to receive their compliant request and not to refuse them this present letter. In consequence, if the aforesaid Ladislas and his people present themselves in any place within Our Empire, town or village, we enjoin you to show your loyalty towards Us. You will protect them in every way, so that the Viovode Ladislas and the Gypsies his subjects can reside within your walls. If there should be found among them some drunken woman, if any troublesome incident should occur among the, no matter what its nature, it is Our will and formal command that the said Viovode Ladislas and he alone shall then use the right to punish and to absolve to the exclusion of you all. (Clebert)'

1496-1498. The Reichstag (parliament) in Landau and Freiburg declares Roma traitors to the Christian countries, spies in the pay of the Turks, and carriers of the plague. (Patrin)'

1498. Four Gypsies accompany Christopher Columbus on his third voyage to the New World. (Patrin)'

Expulsion of Roma was ordered in Germany. (Kenrick)'

1499. Medina del Campo in Spain orders Gitanos to find a trade and master, cease travelling with other Gitanos, all within sixty days. Punishment for failure to obey is 100 lashes and banishment. Repeat offences are punished by amputation of ears, sixty days in chains, and banishment. Third-time offenders become the slaves of those who capture them. (Patrin)'

1500. At the request of Maximilian I, the Augsburg Reichstag declares Roma traitors to the Christian countries, and accuses them of witchcraft, kidnapping of children, and banditry. (Patrin)'

c. 1500. Gitano influence on Andalusian flamenco song and dance begins. Although flamenco is not a Gitano invention, the art of flamenco later becomes forever associated with the Gitanos from the 19th century onwards. (Patrin)'

1501. Roma are recorded in Russia. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1504. Roma are prohibited by Louis XII from living in France. The punishment is banishment. (Patrin, Kenrick, Fraser)'

1505. Roma are recorded in Scotland, probably from Spain. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

Two groups of Roma enter Denmark. (Kenrick)'

1510. Roma are prohibited by the Grand Council of France from residence. The punishment is banishment. A second offence results in hanging. (Patrin)'

The Death penalty is introduced for Roma found in Switzerland. (Kenrick)'

1512. Roma are first recorded in Sweden on 29 September. A company of about 30 families, lead by a "Count Anthonius" arrives in Stockholm, claiming that they came from "Little Egypt". They are welcomed by the city and given lodging and money for their stay. A few years later, King Gustav Vasa (1521-1560), suspects that the Roma are spies and orders that they be driven out from the country. (Patrin)'

Safe conduct granted by Polish Duke Bogislav X to Ludwig von Rothenburg, count of little Egypt. (Fraser)'

Roma are expelled from Catalonia. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1514. Roma are first mentioned in England. (Kenrick)'

1515. Bavaria, Germany closes its borders to Roma. (Kenrick)'

1516. Roma are mentioned in Portuguese literature. (Kenrick)'

1523. Prague officially allows nomads to remain. The welcome does not last long. (Patrin)'

1525. Roma are ordered to leave Sweden, Again. (Kenrick, Fraser)'

1525 (6). Charles V issues an edict in Holland ordering all those that call themselves Egyptians to leave the country within two days. (Patrin)'

1526. The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in Holland and Portugal. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1530. The first law expelling Gypsies from England is introduced. Henry VIII forbids the transportation of Gypsies into England. The fine is forty pounds for ship's owner or captain. The Gypsy passengers are punished by hanging. (Patrin)'

1531. The Augsburg Reichstag forbids the issuing of passports to Roma. (Patrin)'

1536. The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in Denmark. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1538. Deportation of Roma in Portugal to colonies begins. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1539. Roma are prohibited by Frances I from residence in France. The punishment is banishment. A second offence results in corporal punishment. (Patrin)'

Any Males found 'Nomadizing' in Spain were sent to the galleys. (Kenrick)'

1540. Gypsies are allowed to live under their own laws in Scotland. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1541. Roma are blamed for outbreak of fires in Prague. This sets the stage for future anti-Gypsy legislation. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in Scotland. (Patrin)'

1544. English Roma are deported to Norway. (Kenrick)'

1547. Edward VI of England institutes law requiring that Gypsies be seized and "branded with a 'V' on their breast, and then enslaved for two years." If escapees are caught they will be branded with an "S" and made slaves for life. (Patrin)'

Andrew Boorde authors an encyclopedia in England entitled The Fyrst Boke of the Introduction of Knowledge. It has a chapter on Romani, which includes some of the earliest specimens of the language. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1549. The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in Bohemia. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1551. A decree was passed in Poland, declaring any pass [of safe conduct] carried by a Gypsy to be void, and banned all such documents in the future. (Fraser)'

1553. First Roma appear in Estonia. (Kenrick)'

1554. In the reign of Philip and Mary, an Act is passed which decrees that that the death penalty shall be imposed for being a Gypsy, or anyone who "shall become of the fellowship or company of Egyptians." (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1557. The first anti-Gypsy laws are passed in Lithuania. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

In the reign of Sigismund Augustus, the first law ordering Roma to be expelled is passed by the Warsaw Seym (parliament). (Patrin)'

1559. Roma are recorded on the Finnish island of Åland. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1560. The Archbishop of the Swedish Lutheran Church forbids priests to have any dealings with Roma. Their children are not to be christened and their dead not to be buried. (Patrin)'

1560 and others. Spanish legislation forbids Gitanos of travelling in groups of more than two. Gitano "dress and clothing" is banned. Punishment for wearing Gitano clothing and travelling in groups of more than two is up to eighteen years in the galleys for those over fourteen years of age. This legislation is later altered to change the punishment to death for all nomads, and the galleys reserved for settled Gitanos. (Patrin)'

1561. Roma are prohibited by Charles IX of France from residence. The punishment is banishment. A second offence results in the galleys and corporal punishment. Men, women and children have their heads shaved. (Patrin)'

1562. An Act is passed in England "for further punishment of Vagabonds, calling themselves Egyptians." Any Gypsy born in England and Wales is not compelled to leave the country if they quit their idle and ungodly life and company. All others should suffer death and loss of lands and goods. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1563. The Council of Trent in Rome affirms that Roma cannot be priests. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1568. Pope Pius V orders the expulsion of all Roma from the domain of the Roman Catholic Church. (Patrin)'

1573. Gypsies in Scotland are ordered to leave the country or settle down. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1574. Roma miners are recorded in Bosnia. (Kenrick)'

1578. At the General Warsaw Seym, King Stephen Báthory pronounces an edict threatening sanctions against anyone who harbors Roma on their lands. They are punished as accomplices of outlaws. (Patrin)'

1579. Augustus, elector of Saxony, orders the confiscation of Romani passports and banishes them from Saxony. (Patrin)'

Gypsies are recorded in Wales. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

Wearing of Romani dress is banned in Portugal. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1580. Roma are recorded on the Finnish mainland. (Patrin, Kenrick)

1586. Nomadic Roma are ordered expelled from Belarus. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1589. In Denmark, the death penalty is ordered for any Roma not leaving the country. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1595. Stefan Razvan, the son of a Roma slave and free woman, becomes ruler of Moldavia in April. He is deposed four months later and murdered in December of the same year. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1596. 106 men and women are condemned to death at York just for being Gypsies, but only nine are executed. The others prove they were born in England. (Patrin)

Early 17th century. Spanish legislation becomes harsher, forbidding Gitanos from dealing in horses. The local populace is given permission to form armed groups to pursue Gitanos. (Patrin)'

1606. Roma are prohibited by Henry IV of France from any gathering of more than three or four. Roma are punished as "vagabonds and evil-doers." (Patrin)'

1611. Spanish legislation orders that all Gitano occupations must be connected to the land. (Patrin)'

3 Roma are hanged in Scotland under the 1554 law. (Kenrick)'

1619. Philip III declares all Gitanos are to be banished from the kingdom of Spain within six months, or to settle in a locality with over 1,000 inhabitants. The dress, name and language of the Gitanos is banned. The punishment is death. (Patrin)'

1633. The Pragmatica of Felipe IV takes effect in Spain, and the Roma are expelled. (Kenrick)'

1637. The first anti-Gypsy law in Sweden is enacted. All Roma should be expelled from the country within one year. If any Roma are found in Sweden after that date the men will be hanged and the women and children will be driven out from the country. (Patrin, Kenrick)'

1646. An ordinance passed in Berne gives anyone the right "personally to kill or liquidate by bastinado or firearms" Roma or Heiden (heathen) malefactors. (Patrin)'

1647. Roma are punished by the Louis XIV regency of France for being "Bohemians." Punishment is the galleys. (Patrin)'

1652. Matiasz Korolewicz is conferred the title "King of the Gypsies" by the Polish Royal Chancery. (Patrin)'

1650s. Last known execution for being Gypsies, in Suffolk, England occurs. Others are banished to America. (Patrin)'

1660. Roma are prohibited from residence in France by Louis XIV. Punishment is banishment. A second offense results in the galleys or corporal punishment. (Patrin)'

1660-1800. The identity of the English Gypsy Romanichal group has been formed. They survive by working for local people who know them. (Patrin)'

1661. Johann Georg II, elector of Saxony, imposes the death penalty to any Roma caught in his territory. (Patrin)'

1666. Punished by Louis XIV of France for being "Bohemians." Men are sent to the galleys. Women and girls are flogged, branded and banished. (Patrin)'

1682. Louis XIV reiterates his previous policy: punishment for being "Bohemian." Men are sentenced to the galleys for life on the first offence. Women's heads are shaved and children are sent to the poor house. For a second offence, women are branded and banished. (Patrin)'

1685. Portugal deports Roma to Brazil, and makes it a crime to speak Romani. (Patrin)'

1686. Frederick William, elector of Brandenburg, decrees that Roma are not to be allowed trade or shelter. (Patrin)'

There is a sudden and radical change in the attitude of the Swedish Lutheran Church. Roma are now accepted and their children may be christened. (Patrin)

1692. Roma are reported in Villah, Austria. (Kenrick)'

So for example If a client is looking for a Spanish Romani persona you would need to focus on a time after 1425 when Roma are recorded in Zaragoza, Spain but before 1499 when Medina del Campo in Spain orders Gitanos to find a trade and master, cease travelling with other Gitanos, all within sixty days. Punishment for failure to obey is 100 lashes and banishment. Repeat offences are punished by amputation of ears, sixty days in chains, and banishment. Third-time offenders become the slaves of those who capture them.

Romani time windows in particular places are narrow. We can reasonably assume that Romani were present in an area before their first documented presence. We can also reasonably assume that it took a while for laws to go into effect after they were issued.

This gives a client looking for a Spanish Romani person the 1400s in which to focus their research.

Who: Choosing a Name

Choosing a name for a Romani persona is both problematic and ridiculously simple all at the time.

"After the purification by water, the infant formally becomes a human being and can then be called by a name. This name, however, is only one of three that the child will carry through his or her life. The first name given remains forever a secret. Tradition has it that this name is whispered by the mother, the only one who knows it at the time of birth, and it is never used. The purpose of this secret name is to confuse the supernatural spirits by keeping the real identity of the child from them. The second name is a Roma name, the one used among the Roma themselves. It is conferred informally and used only among Roma. The third name is given at a second baptism that takes place according to the dominant religion of the country in which the child is born. It has little importance for the Roma and it is only a practical necessity, to be used for dealing with non-Roma."'

~Patrin Web Journal

The first name is obviously of little concern to the consulting herald but is a great aspect of the culture, which the client can work into their persona if they choose.

The second name is problematic. As 'written documentation' is required for submission to College of Heralds a Romani name (as in a cultural name or a name in the Romani language) is impossible. The Romani did not have a written language until well after SCA period. There are some accounts of documented Romani names but these are all in censuses, tax logs or legal proceedings all of which would have been in cases where the Romani where publicly interacting with the Gaje (non-Romani) and which were written by Gaje.

This leads us to the third name which is what the client and the consulting herald should focus on.'

"…The third name is given at a second baptism that takes place according to the dominant religion of the country in which the child is born. It has little importance for the Roma and it is only a practical necessity, to be used for dealing with non-Roma."'

According to the Academy of St. Gabriel - We have found very little information about period Romany names. What we've discovered boils down to this: The Romany used at least two names each -- a private name in their own language that was not used outside their community, and a public name in the language of the country where they lived. We have found no evidence at all on Romany private names. We have found a little evidence about their public names, which seem to be typical of the country where they are found. Therefore, the best general advice we can give you is that in public a Romany man or woman would have used a normal name for the time and place where he or she lived

http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/arval/romany/

For example, if the client wants a Spanish Romani persona and we have established that the 1400s are the appropriate time for Romani in Spain, the client should look for a 15th century Spanish name. '

As the majority of people playing in the SCA are non-Romani (Gaje) this lends a certain level of historical accuracy to the Romani persona as it is the 'third' name or public name that would be used amongst the gaje, and in the case of reports and official records (College of Heralds and the Order of Precedence.) '

How: What to Wear

This costuming section focuses on women's clothing. In only two pieces of art have I seen male Romani depicted and they are wearing a simple tunic over leggings or pants.

Head Covering

While the variations in style are probably the most diverse of any garment, it is seen in every piece except one. Author Jean-Claude Clebert, and the Patrin Web Journal would associate this with a modern tradition (whose origin is strongly believed to be from their exodus from India) in which a young woman upon marriage has a scarf or diklo ceremonially tied around her head by her new mother-in-law or by prominent female members of the community. This head covering is a symbol of her new marital status, and as such; she is never again seen in public without it. These diklo appear as a simple veil pinned to the top of the head a piece of material wrapped around the forehead and the pieces tied together on the neck, or a full covering of the head and neck, resembling that of the modern hijab worn by Muslim women. A turban is also depicted and, in two instances the women are depicted wearing a flat disk like hat, tied under their chins. On many of the head covering there is intricate red or black embroidery and, in one case there is elaborate trim and tassels sewn to the diklo. '

Jewelry

In only a few pieces of art are the women shown wearing any sort of earrings, however the anonymously written 1427 document Le Journal d'un Bourgeois de Paris it is written "… indeed nearly all of them had their ears pierced and in each wore one or two silver earrings. They said this was the fashion in their country."

No elaborate jewelry of any kind is seen in any of the period pieces of art depicting Romanies. In a few cases a simple strand of red beads is worn.

The author Clebert writes:

"One could go into long rapture about the number and variety of the adornments which women and even men are capable of wearing in the everyday life: necklaces made of gold coins, jeweled rings on every finger (and sometimes on the toes), bracelets extending to well above the elbow, or worn on the ankles… or enormous ear-rings." He goes on to write "This travelling treasure (for it is rarely 'imitation' jewelry) springs from the Indian custom which required that, while the man was working outside the home, the woman kept on her person the family savings."

It makes sense that there is no safer place for one's assets than on one's person, especially while traveling. But, if this were the case, why do we not see it depicted in the artwork from the time? One reason for the divergence is that the only times Gypsies were depicted in art were while they were camped. In many of these examples we see the women working, (fortune telling) not 'at home' while the men were away working. In such circumstances it would have been brazen to wear the family's wealth out among the Gaje, non-Romani. Another explanation for why we don't see the elaborate jewelry of polished gems and gold coins which Clebert describes and to which our imaginations have become accustomed to associating with the Romani, is a prominent engagement custom.

"The symbol of this joyous celebration is a bottle of wine or brandy wrapped in a brightly colored silk handkerchief, brought to the ceremony by the young man's father. A necklace of gold coins is traditionally attached to the bottle. The groom-to-be's father takes the necklace of coins and puts it around the future bride's neck, and warmly embraces his future daughter-in-law, or bori. The necklace makes it clear to all that the girl is now engaged and not available as a bride to any other man." (Patrin, np)'

This engagement or pliashka tradition may be the birth of our association with Romani women and gold coin jewelry and also why we don't find in depicted in art.

Under Garments '

As far as under garments, the Gypsies are portrayed as having a simple white or unbleached tunic (with skirt) or chemise. Le Journal d'un Bourgeois de Paris claims that the fact that "their only linen was an old blouse or shirt…" is a testament to their poverty. Just like we see embroidery on their diklos, some have black work on their tunics. A simple black lace looking design is shown on the neck line, and in one painting, black embroidery is visible down the entire sleeve.

Outer Garments

A swathe (Very similar in style to the Indian Sari) is worn over the simple undergarment. Le Journal d'un Bourgeois de Paris says "They were clad in Flaussaie, a coarse old material attached to the shoulder by a thick band of cloth or cord…" In almost every piece of art I have found some semblance of this covering is illustrated. Most often, it is a simple dark colored material tied over the shoulder. No belt or waist tie is represented, although in one painting we do see the sides of the swathe held together by what looks like a button and eye hole. While the dark solid color is most prevalent, it is certainly not the only style of clothe we see. Lighter colored and finely printed material is also seen. A middle dress, worn over the tunic, yet under the draped cloth is also shown, ranging from simple dresses to quite elaborate looking dresses often reflecting the style of the non-Romani women of the time and region. The last alteration we see to this draped cloth is a visible under-layer or trim, usually red, and appearing on the hem of the top and the bottom, when visible, of the swathe.

Shoes

In most of the copies of art I have collected, the feet are not shown, either because the subjects are only depicted from the waist up, or because the long skirts portrayed cover the feet. In the works of art in which the feet can be seen, the popular choice for foot covering is none. Bare feet are most prevalent. The second most popular depiction is a piece of cloth wrapping the foot and secured by a cord at the ankle, and, in two instances we see a simple sandal.

Images

The Fortune Teller
By: Caravaggio
c. 1596'

Fortune Teller
By: Georges de La Tour
1632-1635'

Scene from Commedia dell'Arte
Unknown Artist, Flemmish
1595-1605'

The Fortune Teller
By: Simon Vouet
c. 1617'

Three Gypsies
By: Jacob de Gheyn II
c. 1605'

Untitled
By: Diebold Schilling d. A.
1485'

An Illustration of a Gypsy Woman reading the palm of Frederick V
Grinotliche Weis[sad]ung Vom Heidel[berg]er Vermet…
Unknown Artist
1621

Bohemians
Pienture a l'huille
By: David Tenniers II
1650-1690'

The Campo Vaccion With a Gypsy Woman Reading a Palm
By: Paul Bril
1603

Cardsharps and Fortune Teller
By: Nicolas Regneir
1620-1622'

Gypsy Family Around a Fire
By: Adriaen Pietersz Van de Vanne
No Date'

The Fortune Teller
By: Nicolas Regneir
1625'

Gypsy Fortune Teller
By: Barlolemeo Manfredi
1616

The Fortune Teller
By: Valentine de Boulogne
1628

The Fortune Tellers
Geschiedeins van der Zigeuners of Carrcbarra: de waarzegster
By: Arnold Poissonnier and Antoine Fieret
1501-1525

Gathering of Gypsies in the Woods
By: Jan Brueghal the Elder
No Date

Gypsies in the Market
By: Hans Burgkmair
1510

Gypsy Girl
By: Boccaccino
1516-1518

The Gypsy Woman
By: Jacques de Gheyn
No Date

Musician and Drinkers
By: Valentin de Boulogne
c. 1625

Woman with Two Children and a Blank Shield
By: Master of the Housebook
1475-1480

The Flight into Egypt
By: Giovanni Andrea Ansaldo
1620's

Gypsy Girl (Zingarella)
By: Nicolas Cordier
1607-1612

Important/Significant Objects in Romani Culture

While the Romani didn't have heraldry in the way we think about it in regards to the SCA, here is a list of charges which could be used to give a client's heraldry a 'Romani flare.'

Daily Living:'

Wagon Wheel-

' <a href= http://symboldictionary.net/library/graphics/symbols/romani.jpg">

Wagon- I couldn't find any images for wagons in heraldry. I am leaving this option here, but it may be debatable as a heraldic charge.'

Horses-

Occupational:

Bears-

Palm

Kettle or Pot

Foods:

Bread-

Apples-

Pomegranates-

Hedgehogs-

WORKS OF ART CITIED'

Ansaldo, Giovanni Andrea., The Flight into Egypt, Oil on Canvas, 1620s, Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome

Boccaccono, Boccaccip., Gypsy Girl, Oil on Pannel, 1516-1518, Galleria degli Uffci, Florence

Bril, Paul., The Campo Vaccion With a Gypsy Reading a Palm, Oil on Copper, Private Collection

Brueghal the Elder, Jan., Gathering of Gypsies in the Woods, Oil pn Pannel, No Date, Museo del Prado, Madrid

Burgkmair, Hans., Gypsies in the Market, Pen and Ink, 1510, National Museum, Stockholm

Caravaggio., The Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, c. 1596, Pinacoteca, CApitolina, Rome

Cordier, Nicolas., Zingarella (Gypsy Girl), White and grey marble sculptor and bronze, 1607-1612, Galleria Borghese, Rome

De Boulogne, Valentin., Musician and Drinkers, Oil on Canvas, c.1625, Musse du Louvre, Paris

De Boulogne, Valentine., The Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, 1620, Toledo Museum of Art, Ohio

De Boulogne, Valentin., The Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, c. 1628, Musse du Louvre, Paris'

De Gheyn, Jacob II., Three Gypsies, Pen and iron gall ink on tan laid paper, c. 1605, The Art Institute in Chicago'

De Gheyn, Jacques., The Gypsy Woman, No Date, Herzog Anton Ulrich-Museum'

De La Tour, Georges., Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, 1631-1635, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York'

Manfredi, Barlolemeo., Gypsy Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, 1616, Institute of Art, Detroit '

Master of the House book (Master of the Amsterdam Cabinet)., Woman with Two Children and a Blank Shield, Dry Point, 1475-1480, Museum of Fine Arts in Boston'

Poissonneir, Arnold and Fieret, Antoine., The Fortune Tellers (Geschiedeins van der Zigeuners of Carrcbarra: de wassezegster, Tapestry, c. 1501-1525, Royal Institute for Cultural Heratige

Teller, Majolika. Eine Zigeurin liest einem Edelmann, aud der Hand, Amazonenbottega, um 1565-75, Museumsfoto Keiser, Bestellung dort.'

Tenniers, David II., Bohemiens, Pienture a l'huile, 1650-1690, Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage

Regnier, Nicolas., Cardsharps and Fortune Tellers, Oil on Canvas, 1620-1622, Szepmuveszeti Muzeum, Budapest

Regnier, Nicolas., The Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, c.1625, Musse du Louvre, Paris

Schilling, Diebold d. A., Untitled, 1485, Scource:Amtliche Spiezer Chrunik

Unknown Artist., An Illustration of a Gypsy Woman reading the palm of Frederick V, etching and engraving, 1621, The British Museum'

Unknown Artist., Scene from Commedia dell'Arte, Oil on Canvas, 1595-1605, Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota

Unkown Artist, Costume Study, Drawing, 17thC, the British Museuem

Vanne, Adriaen Pietersz Van de., Gypsy Family Around a Fire, No Date, Bildindex der Kunst und Archilktur

Vouet, Simon., The Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, 1617, Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, Rome

Vouet, Simon. The Fortune Teller, Oil on Canvas, 1618. National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa

SOURCES CITIED (in the costuming section)'

Clebert, Jean-Paul, The Gypsies, Translated by Charles Duff, Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia. 1963

Patrin Web Journal, http://www.reocities.com/~patrin/, last accessed 06/14/2011

SOURCES CITIED'

Bercovici, Konrad. GYPSIES Their Life, Lore, and Legends, Greenwich House, New York, 1983

Clebert, Jean-Paul, The Gypsies, Translated by Charles Duff, Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia. 1963

Fraser, Angus M. The Gypsies, Blackwell, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1992

Kenrick, Donald. Gypsies: from the Ganges to the Thames, The University of Hertfordshire Press, UK, 2004

Patrin Web Journal, http://www.reocities.com/~patrin/, last accessed 06/14/2011

COMPLETE BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bercovici, Konrad. GYPSIES Their Life, Lore, and Legends, Greenwich House, New York, 1983

Clebert, Jean-Paul, The Gypsies, Translated by Charles Duff, Penguin Books Australia Ltd, Ringwood, Victoria, Australia. 1963

De Plancy, Collin. Dictionary of Witchcraft, translated by Wade Baskin, Philosophical Library, Inc., MXMLXV

Fraser, Angus M. The Gypsies, Blackwell, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1992

Hancock, Ian. Ame Sam e Rromane dzene: We are the Romani people. The University of Hertfordshire Press, UK. 2002

Kenrick, Donald. Gypsies: from the Ganges to the Thames, The University of Hertfordshire Press, UK, 2004

Kenrick, Donald. The A to Z of the Gypsies (Romanies), The Scarecrow Press, Inc., Plymouth, UK. 2010

Kenrick, Donald. The Romani World: A Historical Dictionary of the Gypsies, The University of Hertfordshire Press, UK, 2004

Patrin Web Journal, http://www.reocities.com/~patrin/, last accessed 06/14/2011

The Holy Bible: King James Version. Dallas, TX: Brown Books Publishing, 2004

Williams, Patrick. Gypsy World: The Silence of the Living and the Voices of the Dead, translated by Catherine Tihanyi, The University of Chicago Press, 2003

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Copyright 2019 by Chris A. Gonzales. <itsmeroxij at gmail.com>. Facebook: at Roxi J Elliot. Permission is granted for republication in SCA-related publications, provided the author is credited. Addresses change, but a reasonable attempt should be made to ensure that the author is notified of the publication and if possible receives a copy.

If this article is reprinted in a publication, please place a notice in the publication that you found this article in the Florilegium. I would also appreciate an email to myself, so that I can track which articles are being reprinted. Thanks. -Stefan.