Catalogue of the exhibition Sima Trojanović (1862-1935): A Scientist ahead of His Time, authored by M. Milošević, I. Gavrilović and I. Živanović, published by University Library ‘Svetozar Marković’ in Belgrade, is a clear and concise overview of the life and work of this significant Serbian ethnologist and anthropologist.
The first segment of the catalogue provides the synopsis of Sima Trojanović’s biography, with special attention to his role in establishing and working at the Ethnographic Museum in Belgrade. Trojanović’s research of museology and Serbian folk traditions is especially highlighted in this section, as well as his most notable books (Old Slavic Burial Ritual, Christmas, Fire in the Rites and Life of Serbian People, Main Serbian Sacrificial Rites, Old Serbian Dishes and Beverages, Psychophysical Expression of the Serbian People Predominantly Without Words).
The second segment of the catalogue contains quotes from Trojanović’s texts published in Serbian press at that period, as well as excerts from newspaper articles that provide insight into interesting facts from his life and work.
The third segment includes a chronologically ordered bibliography of works by Sima Trojanović (separating monographs and articles) preserved in the collections of the University Library.
Moreover, a list of articles by Sima Trojanović that can be found in the Searchable Digital Library of the University Library is published, often with longer or shorter quotes from the articles. Finally, there is a selective bibliography of articles about Sima Trojanović available in the periodical collection.
Considering that this catalogue can contribute to introducing a wider reading audience to the work of the prominent Serbian scientist Sima Trojanović and encourage a deeper study of his work, we propose the catalogue be published in full.
In Belgrade, March 23 2025
Dr Zoran Bajin
Research Associate
Institute for Recent History of Serbia