Kalé, Kalá, Valshanange | |
---|---|
Total population | |
700 to 1,000[1] (1991, est.) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
Northwestern Wales | |
Languages | |
Welsh, Welsh Romani and English | |
Religion | |
Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Romanichal |
The Kale [kɑː leɪ] (also Kalé, Kalá, Valshanange; Welsh: Roma yng Nghymru, Sipsiwn Cymreig, Cale) are a Romani subgroup predominantly found in northwestern Wales, specifically in the Welsh-speaking areas. Many Kale claim to be descendants of Abram Wood, the first Rom to reside permanently and exclusively in Wales in the early 18th century, although Romanichal have appeared in Wales since the 16th century.[2] Romanichal inhabit South Wales (in and around Cardiff, Swansea and Newport) and North East Wales (in and around Wrexham as well as in parts of Wales close to Liverpool and Chester).
The Kale were traditionally renowned musicians, and are reported to have introduced the fiddle to Wales.[3][4] They were also known for their distinctive styles of clothing, dance, poetry and storytelling.[3][5][6]
Generally speaking, the Kale have employed a tribal structure in which a group of several family units would be under the authority of a male chieftain. However some Kale families are matriarchal with a senior woman being chosen by consensus among the other women of the family to take the leadership role.
The Welsh Kale are closely related to Romanichal, Scottish Lowland Roma, Romanisael and Finnish Kale.[7] They are considered part of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community.[8]
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