Kalis.jpg - 30.02 K

KALI-SARA - QUEEN OF GYPSIES

Each year, nomadic gypsies from all over Europe gather in Camargue, France at the church of Saintes-Maries-de-la-mer to celebrate the feast of their queen. In the crypt of the church, surrounded by numerous candles, this miracle-working black statue is attended by thousands of members of the Rom family. They call the crypt 'our mothers womb,' and when they are assembled, the pilgrims carry their black divinity into the sea. In the church she is St. Sara, the black serving maid of the two white Mary's who have their altars upstairs in the main church., but the gypsies call her Kali-Sara, they associate her with Kali of India, the mother-goddess of their homeland.

The painting shows Kali-Sara as a wise woman, imparting secret knowledge. Gypsy women are specially known to have access to secret vision and Kali-Sara represents this gift. She is shown crowned and robed in blue and white. Like other cult figures, she is dressed in real outfits which are constantly changed. She stands on a black rock, often swathed with tapestry at normal height. Thus her devotees can easily kiss her face. Although no flowers are associated with her worship, she is surrounded in the dark crypt by hundreds of candles. A small carved, wooden shrine beside her statue holds letters attesting to her miracles and small shoes. Children's crutches are laid behind her on the rock wall, cones, metal braces; testaments to her heating powers.