Völkerkunde#

Ethnology: Ethnology emerged in Austria as an independent field of study with the foundation of the Anthropologische Gesellschaft in Vienna (1870) and the Ethnographical Collection of the Museum of Natural History whose inventory dates partly from the 16th century (Ambras Collection) and from the 18th century (James Cook Collection). The Ethnographic Collection experienced a formidable upswing under its first director F. Heger and became independent in 1927 as the Austrian Ethnological Museum. Another centre of ethnological research was founded with the entry of the ethnologist and linguist W. Schmidt into the Missionshaus St. Gabriel near Moedling (foundation of the Anthropos Institute). At the University of Vienna, ethnology was initially taught by the associate professors (M. Haberlandt and R. Poech). In 1913, the latter became the first holder of the newly founded professorship for anthropology and ethnology. The two fields were separated in 1928, W. Koppers became Professor of Ethnology, the Institute of Ethnology was founded and developed into an internationally renowned teaching and research centre under the administration of both Kopper and his successor J. Haekel. A second professorship was founded in 1949. Headed by K. Wernhart, it represents the ethno-historical stream of ethnology, while the first professorship, headed by W. Dostal, represents the materialistic approach. The Institute of Ethnology and the Museum of Ethnology engage in animated scientific exchange. Furthermore, Austrian ethnologists are employed by the UN, UNESCO and other organisations as specialists in matters of acculturation and development aid in non-European countries. A commission for social anthropology has been established at the Austrian Academy of Sciences.

Literature#