Paper Short Abstract:

This presentation explores the challenges faced by researchers studying individuals like Kalapos Zoli, a devout Hungarian Roma man who identifies as a medium, exorcist, chakra-cleanser, and specialist in both esoteric and traditional Roma beliefs. Drawing on years of fieldwork and interactions—including with university students and international scholars—the study examines why Roma belief systems remain under-researched and mythologized. It also raises critical questions about the limits of maintaining an outsider perspective when engaging deeply with culturally complex and spiritually specialized subjects.

Paper Abstract:

"Kalapos Zoli" is a deeply devout Hungarian Roma man of Roman Catholic faith. One room in his house serves as a unique chapel, housing several Virgin Mary statues, candles, Hindu deity statues, rosaries, and various ritual objects. Zoli is a highly recognizable figure: he always wears a hat, from which he derives his nickname, and dons gold rings depicting saints, pentagram necklaces, gold teeth, and traditional Roma attire. Despite his devout beliefs, Zoli does not attend church services. According to his account, he identifies as a medium, exorcist, chakra-cleanser, fortune-teller, reading cards and palms, and claims the ability to see auras.

Over the past few years, I have developed a strong relationship with Zoli through extensive fieldwork. Alongside my university students, I have introduced him to a renowned American folklorist, who remains intrigued by Zoli's predictions about his future from afar.

This presentation, based on field research with Zoli—who variously identifies as a fortune-teller, medium, exorcist, and witch—explores the challenges faced by researchers working with individuals who are simultaneously specialists in esoteric practices and traditional Roma beliefs. The discussion raises questions such as: Why Roma belief system remain one of the least explored and most mythologized areas in contemporary research? Is there an "adaptive boundary" beyond which a researcher can no longer maintain an outsider perspective?

This case study aims to provide critical reflections on methodological and epistemological challenges, highlighting the negotiation of roles and boundaries between researcher and subject in ethnographic contexts involving complex cultural and spiritual systems.