His grandfathers were Isaac Barb and D. H. Schrenzel from Galicia (now Ukraine), both notable for their roles in the revival of the Hebrew language during the mid 19th century.
During his time at the university, Barb was selected to work on archaeological digs by Adolf Mahr in support of whom he gave testimony after the war during the latter's denazification process.
[citation needed] Shortly after receiving his doctorate, Barb was chosen by Sándor Wolf, the philanthropist, art collector and wine merchant, to create and manage the Landesmuseum for the Burgenland.
With the support of ESG Robinson, then Deputy Keeper of the Coin and Medal Department, British Museum he was given entry to the United Kingdom but following the outbreak of war was interned on the Isle of Man as an enemy alien.
He worked under a number of directors, including E.H. Gombrich, and, in addition to his special interest in the Burgenland, continued to publish extensively on the fields of folklore and magic in the ancient world.