Knowledge about the gypsy/roma communities in Bulgaria, presented by visual anthropology

Abstract

The Gypsy/Roma ethnic group has lived in the Balkans for centuries. Gypsies/ Roma turn out to be bearers of a traditional cultural heritage that has long been forgotten by those around them. In our presentation, we look at how authentic knowledge of the Gypsy/Roma community can be the subject of public presentation in museums through the techniques of visual anthropology. Our thesis is that for those studying the Gypsy/Roma ethnic group, which has no writing and written history, visual anthropology is of particular importance as a primary source of knowledge, as a testimony of time. The photos, images, video recording preserve, show and transmit the material culture, traditions and way of life of the different Gypsies/Roma groups, which, together with the common, have very specific group and regional differences. We also ask the question – the historical knowledge about the community created up to which historical moment is authentic, as the culture of the Gypsies/Roma is not static in time, but is influenced by modern forms, typical for today’s global world.