Interest In Indians

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31161, 10 September 1966, Page 12

Interest In Indians

“(Specially written for "Tbe by KENNETH(ANTHONt * TF it had not been for an | 1 unsuccessful revolt in Central Europe in 1848. Czechoslovakia would certainly not have chosen the unlikely subject of Red Indians for an issue of stamps in 1966. The year 1848 was one of unrest and uprisings in several parts of Europe. As a student at the time, a voting Czech patriot named Voljtech Naprstek became involved in a revolt against Austrian rule. When the revolt was suppressed, he found it prudent to leave the country for a time. As a result he spent some years in America, where he quickly developed an absorbing, lifelong interest in the history and culture of the Red Indians. When he finally returned to his native land—which remained part of the AustroHungarian Empire until 1918—he took with him his collection of authentic Red Indian material, including garments and weapons. His home in Prague became a centre of Czech cultural life, and in time many other travellers brought him further objects to add to his collection. Eventually there were enough to form an enthnographic museum named after its founder. And a few years ago the Naprstek Museum celebrated its 100th anniversary.