Lila Loisse
O Baro Dével

From slavery to becoming travelers, “O baro Dével” is an installation with a sound piece that explores the tangled roots of the Gypsy community and the historical mix-ups we’ve faced. Starting in India and moving through our enslavement in present-day Turkey, different groups of travelers emerged, including Gypsies like Sinti Manouche and Kalé, and the Romani group with the Roma. Researching into the distinctions among these groups and investigating the meanings of “gypsy” and “Roma” became crucial in understanding our complicated history. I also looked into our religious connections.This adaptability not only enriched our culture but also helped us travel safely and be accepted. In this exploration, I stumbled upon Saint Sara or Sara la Kali, the patron saint of the Gypsies, wrapped in various myths, from being a descendant of the Hindu goddess (Durga)to Mary’s slave. The fascinating overlaps in these stories caught my interest. Despite our communities dwindling, the tradition of a group pilgrimage to Sara la Kali in France continues. Focused on how pilgrimage safeguards our freedom, I aimed to map our history through this installation.