Traditional trades are inseparable from Rroma groups, for these traditional trades formed one of the strongest basis of group identity. More important, work, most often in the form of trades are an integral part of the Rroma identity. It is almost unthinkable, even when wealthy, not to work. After all, the family and to a lesser extent the lineage all rely upon each individual providing his or her share of the work. That work is part of one's identity is illustrated by the various meanings of the word butji - work in Rromanes. While it means work in general, some Rroma groups use it only when speaking about smith-work. Should you ask a Crimean Rrom "savo xizmeti keres?" - which trade do you practise?-, he'll answer "kerav butji" - literally "I work" - which means "I'm doing smith work". In these Crimean Rroma dialects, the word butjari means a smith.
Traditional trades, perhaps with the exception of fortune-telling, one of the most prevailing cliche among Gadže, is a man's work. Not to say that women are not involved, on the contrary as they more often than not, help their husbands, brothers and fathers at work.
There are several lines of traditional trades among Rroma groups: Metal work divided into copper and blacksmiths; Horse-dealing; Music as a trade (not to be mistaken for Rroma music!); and Wood and miscellany.
One should not think as these a strict subdivisions, as it often happens that blacksmith work goes hand in hand with professional music, for example among Carpathian Rroma. In addition, Rroma, throughout the ages have taken odd jobs to complement their incomes and have proved highly adaptable to more modern technologies.
Nowadays, one finds Rroma in all trades, lawyers, doctors, scholars but also car mechanics, farmers and so on. This may seem as peculiar or even surprising but the fact that Rroma have taken all professions is well documented as early as the XVth century where one already finds such a wealth of trades not necessarily associated with Rroma.