The central economic unit within the socio-organisation of the Kalderaš – of the boiler-makers or the coppersmiths – was represented by the "kumpania" which was the joining together of more extended families ("vici"; sg.: "vica") or of the members of different vici in order to form an economic community. A kumpania did not follow a strict order but represented a loose association, which could be extended or reduced permanently, depending on the requirements of the present relations. The professional knowledge was handed down within the families and/or the kumpania. Preconditions for a functioning kumpania were an unlimited co-operation and the fulfilment of group internal rules, whereas the traditional law and court of the Roma – kris– functions as the control organ.

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ROMBASE © by Michael Teichmann 2002