Цыгане и торговля в Российской Империи (Gypsies and Trade in the Russian Empire)

Abstract

The article deals with trading activity of the Gypsy people. The author makes an attempt to reevaluate the gypsies’ participation in the economic life of the Russian Empire. He gives specific examples of gypsies’ participation in both domestic and foreign trade throughout XVIIXIX centuries, and defines their connections with fellow tribesmen in the adjacent countries.

Note: Downloadable document is in Russian.

Keywords: gypsies, domestic and foreign trade, Russia, adjacent countries, smuggling, handicraft, folk art, traditions