🍀 Roma - The Roma Household and Workshop from Poiana, Vâlcea County

     A branch of Roma called Rudari were great wood craftsmen and made their living by working wooden objects, from spoons to small cupboards, and from baskets to granaries. The entire forest was a source of raw material for their craft. They knew the secrets of each type of wood and found a use for each piece, working with care and respect for the timber, without wasting anything. Of the many objects made by the Roma, the agricultural tools were in great demand, especially rakes and hay forks.

      The Rudari are believed to have worked as gold miners in ancient times—ruda, the Old Slavic word for gold mine, reflects this connection. After the mines were exhausted, they are said to have turned to woodworking, a craft they continued to develop over time. The household is representative of the Roma craft and consists of a hut and a shed with three poultry coops.