Did you know that even though a King of the Gypsies might be rich, he isn’t necessarily the most powerful member of a gypsy clan? On the contrary, he might be the most disposable laggard of the group. As with most Rromani traditions, this varies wildly depending on the gypsy group. For example, in Scottish Traveler bands the King is without any doubt the most powerful and politically connected member of the group, and he usually has the bloodline to prove it. In other kumpanias (tribe or caravans,) the bloodline is there, but the prestige most certainly is not.
“Centuries of abuse and discrimination have fostered among the Roma a need to protect themselves from the rest of the world. Thus, difficulties arise when outsiders try to bridge the cultural gap. The Roma use various forms of deception and pretense to protect themselves. For one, Romanes, the Roma language, has been effectively kept a non-literary language, in part because knowing a secret language affords the Roma a degree of protection. Further, local authorities often try to control the Roma by arresting their “King.” The “King of the Gypsies,” however, is an individual, usually of low standing, who places himself in the position of an ad hoc liaison between the Roma and the gaje (non-Roma). Thus, the arrest of the “King” harms the Roma very little. These deceptions have increased hostile feelings toward the Roma and make it nearly impossible for outsiders to understand their culture.”
Minority Rights: The Failure of International Law to Protect the Roma
By Mary Ellen Tsekos*
For a King like Camello to face dethronement and expulsion is a pretty huge thing. It’s basically a statement of him not even being worthy of being the lowest member of his kumpania.
It is my understanding that in some tribes, the baron or elder chieftain (in this case, Camello’s uncle) is actually the most powerful member of his tribe. Lucky’s father was probably the baron of the Nicotash kumpania before his return to Spain, after fighting as part of the Red Army. During his absence, the elders of Nicotash took care of their people. When he finally returned to Russia, many years later, Lucky’s father likely decided to appoint a new baron by marriage and recommendation of the elders. Lucky’s marriage to Marlborina would ensure a familial tie between the two families and an acknowledgement of position from the prodigal chief.
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