Romani Tribes
I have been thinking lately about tribalism, not just in terms of the Roma, but in general. It is such a broad term that has come to mean so many things.
Tribalism refers to a number of different concepts. It can refer to a social structure in which humans are divided into small subgroups. These groups are often egalitarian and without private property. We’ll call this concept tribal society. It no longer exists, in this sense, in the Western world.
Tribalism can also refer to ethnic identity, that is, an identity that separates one group from another. Tribalism in this sense is very much alive and well and quite present among the Roma. It’s interesting to note here that many tribes use the word for “people” in their language to refer to themselves.This is the case among the Roma.
Anthropologists once saw tribalism as primitive, as the early stages of civilization that have led us to where we are now. We have since moved beyond this linear, cultural evolutionist way of thinking and now see tribalism as rich and interesting in its own right. It is even seen by many as a model to look up to and use to better our modern society. However, there are still many who mistakenly equate tribalism with primitivism.
The Romani tribes are generally the result of historical migratory patterns. The main tribes of Europe include: Sinti, Calé, Manouche, Romanichals, Boyash and the Roma, a tribe of the greater Roma population.
I’m becoming increasingly interested in tribalism in general and exactly how it is expressed among the Roma in Mexico. Their social structure is now heavily affected by gaje society. It is getting harder and harder to hold on to the remnants of tribal society. At least that’s the case here where I do my research. I’m anxious to see if there isn’t more here than meets the eye.