Embassy Events

Professor Marta Botiková, Chair of the Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology Department at Comenius University

High school students learn about American Indian Culture, Beliefs and History

As part of Embassy Bratislava’s public information program on American Indian History Month, Professor Marta Botikova, head of the Ethnology and Cultural Anthropology Department at Comenius University, spoke to students at the Evangelical Lyceum in Bratislava on November 20 about American Indian culture. Dr. Botikova gave the third-year students an interesting historical overview of the American Indian, emphasizing their cultural contributions to Europe. Study of the Northwest American Indians is Dr. Botikova’s specialty and she presented a rich photographic essay about the vibrant culture of the nations from the Pacific Northwest. Finally Dr. Botikova gave the students some fascinating background on the Embassy-sponsored exhibit of Edward S. Curtis photos called “Sacred Legacy.”  The students had visited the exhibition at Galéria Z in Bratislava and appreciated the context provided by Dr. Botikova. The students responded with probing questions about religious practices of the American Indians and the variety of cultures and differences that exist between the Indian nations. The students also discussed with Dr. Botikova and representatives of the U.S. Embassy the deeper significance of Thanksgiving for Americans.