"Semi-nomads". Migration trajectories of Vlach Roms of Eastern Slovakia since the second half of 19th century untill the termination of their itinerancy
Abstract
The study focuses on migration trajectories of one community of Vlach Roma which has settled in the second half of 19th century in eastern Slovakia. Taking a diachronic perspective, the texts presents the migration histories of this group of people since their arrival to the territory of Slovakia until the termination of their itinerancy one hunter years later.
The case study is based on data gathered via a combination of social anthropologic and oral history approaches as well as archival research (mainly in parish registers). Using the results of her long term field the author aims at reconstructing the travelling routes of the community in focus.
She pays attention to the process and degree of settlement of this group in the particular municipality in eastern Slovakia, and the subsistence activities of the Roma linked with travelling life, which some of the community members pursued even after their settlement in the village. While doing so she also enters into debate with existing Romani studies literature on the adequacy of labelling the group "semi-nomadic" - as has so far been done.