I am a gypsy waggon or a vardo, caravan or living wagon, which is a traditional horse-drawn wagon used by British Romani people (Romanichals are thought to have arrived in England in the 16th century, they are an ethnicity of Indian origin) as their home. It is very common for us to be highly decorated, intricately carved, brightly painted and even gilded. It's a high cultural point of both artistic design and a masterpiece of woodcrafters art (today, even the simplest ones cost about $15,000). The heyday of the living wagon lasted for roughly 70 years, from the mid-1800s through the first two decades of the twentieth century. Not used for year-around living today, they are shown at the Romanichal (British Romani) horse fairs held throughout the year, the best known of which is Appleby Horse Fair.
here is a sketch with every vardo characteristic:
other gypsy caravans:
interesting Gypsies facts:
* there are two types of Gypsies – Roma Gypsies and Irish Travellers; both have a nomadic lifestyle but are separate ethnic groups
* large families are still very much the norm, with some couples having over 10 children
* as a nomadic people, the Romani didn’t write books or attend school to learn to read and write; instead, they’ve long maintained an oral tradition where poets and singers tell stories about the Romani and their culture
* the Romani have a rich musical heritage; their music has influenced jazz, bolero, flamenco music, and many classical composers including Franz Liszt
* Gypsies are not dirty; their culture is built upon strict codes of cleanliness learnt over centuries of life on the road
* most Romany girls are expected to get married between the ages of 16 and 18; according to tradition, a girl shouldn't have more than four boyfriends before getting married, and if a boy asks a girl out, she should refuse at least twice before finally saying yes
* traditionally, groups of extended families formed kumpanias (bands) which traveled together in caravans; each kumpania is headed by a voivode (chieftain) who makes decisions after consultation with a council of elders and the phuri dai (senior woman)
* many Roma women wear bracelets and necklaces made of gold, and headresses are decorated with coins; the display of prosperity and generosity towards others are considered very honorable
(facts found at Lifestyle, FRUA, and GRTHM)
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