František Bartoš (folklorist)

František Bartoš (March 16, 1837 – June 11, 1906) was a Czech folklorist, ethnographer, linguist, and writer. He is best known for his extensive collection and publication of Moravian folk songs, dances, tales, and customs.

Bartoš was born in Městisko, Moravia. He studied at the gymnasium in Strážnice and later at the Philosophical Faculty of the University of Olomouc. He dedicated his life to documenting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Moravia, particularly its folk traditions.

His major works include:

• Moravské národní písně (Moravian Folk Songs) – A multi-volume collection of thousands of Moravian folk songs, considered a seminal work in Czech folkloristics. Bartoš not only collected the songs but also meticulously transcribed them, providing valuable insight into Moravian musical traditions.
• Moravský národní poklad (Moravian National Treasure) - A collection of Moravian folk tales, proverbs, riddles, and customs.
• Numerous articles and studies published in scholarly journals focusing on Moravian dialects, ethnography, and folklore.

Bartoš's work was crucial in preserving Moravian folk traditions during a period of rapid social and cultural change. His collections continue to be valuable resources for scholars and artists interested in Czech folklore and music. He is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Czech folkloristics.