Strangers
The Central Asian gypsies, the so-called “Lyuli”, represent an old and still unsolved mystery; due to complete absence of clear traces of their Indian ancestral home in their language, it is impossible to somewhat clearly identify any details of the route their ancestors took to Central Asia.
A distinctive characteristic of gypsies of all subethnic groups is their desire to imitate the surrounding population to one degree or another, adopting their traditions, religion, and language.
Most gypsy groups exclusively speak the languages of the surrounding population in their habitats, although they are self-sustaining and independent people.
In the “Strangers” project, the lyagan covering the face is a symbol of belonging to the culture of the peoples of Central Asia, especially Uzbeks and Tajiks, and at the same time depicting the rejection of Central Asian gypsies from society, acquiring the function of a shield and alienation from society.
Lyagan is a large ceramic plate that is a symbol of oriental hospitality. Traditionally, lyagan was brought to the table on holidays to taste delicious pilaf, which is the national dish of the peoples of Central Asia, especially Tajiks and Uzbeks.
For many years, the gypsies have remained outcasts in Uzbekistan, but at the same time, they are always saved by the fact that they are one united family. Gypsy communities have merged into another culture, and identifying them is extremely difficult.
“Strangers” is a project about how people have to completely adopt the traditions, religion and language of other cultures, in the name of the survival of their own community.
