Representations of Romani clothing in a historical context, with documentary materials sourced from the collection of the Museum of Roma Culture in Warsaw.
The following collection of original single photographic prints, widely published photographs featured on postcards and in the press, graphic works (including early woodcut prints), drawings, and paintings showcases the attire of Roma women across a wide chronological range (from the mid-16th century to the early 20th century), geographical scope (from Russia and the southern Balkans to Spanish Andalusia), and cultural diversity (settled Roma, nomadic groups, Lowara, Kalderash, Cale, Ruska Roma, and other groups). It primarily features domestic, everyday clothing, and where festive or performance attire is included, it is closely tied to the canon and customs prevailing in the respective group. Even when, as in the case of settled Roma, their clothing resembled the styles of their non-Romani neighbours, it always remained somewhat distinct, characterized by unique cuts, details, or decorations. In some cases, particularly among nomadic groups, the details of the attire could unmistakably indicate group affiliation, thereby eliminating the need for Roma to verbally express their identity. These details enabled other Roma to immediately recognise the group to which someone belonged.
Everyday Romani clothing, particularly for women, was naturally subject to customary rules and, in the case of groups with nomadic traditions, also to customary law. Custom and law mandated modest attire, covering the lower body with a long, wide skirt, often supplemented with an over-apron, tying the hair, and often covering it with a scarf.
Andrzej Grzymała-Kazłowski
Funded by KPO funds. GRANTS 2024. A2.5.1: Programme for Supporting Activities of the Cultural and Creative Sectors to Stimulate Their Development.
