Stereotype n°5: Traditional crafts

One of the most well known crafts practiced by Roma is that of a blacksmith. They probably acquired this skill in Armenia as many of the Romani terms which refer to this craft derive from the Armenian language. One of the main reasons why Roma were enslaved in the Romanian principalities was because they were skilled workers.

During the 500 years of slavery other crafts were also developed. Until today Romanian Roma categorize themselves according to which profession they ancestors practiced. Many Roma family names such as Gabor (smith) and Ciurar (sieve maker) refer to professions. Other professions which are typically linked to Roma are training bears (ursari), searching for gold in the rivers (aurari), or spoon making (linguran).

As many Roma were doing metalwork ‘Gadje’ often said that Roma know the secrets of iron and of copper. Since they also practice different forms of wood work it can be added that Roma also know the secret of wood! Actually there are no real secrets, but only very developed skills, practiced as complementary crafts, indispensable for an economy based on agriculture, as also in the case of the sedentary populations.

The reality today is very different: Roma are European citizens and therefore, as any other citizen, they look for job opportunities that can enable them to fulfil their aspirations. When they have the chance of overcoming society or institutional discrimination they are employed in any sector of the job market. If those who are employed are often considered as “exceptions” is just because discrimination is the common rule.