Svedjebruksmetoden Huuhta - skogsfinnarnas försvinnande hantverkstradition

Abstract

The following essay is an investigation of Huuhta, the swidden cultivation craft process, a disappearing tradition and an intangible cultural heritage. Huutha came to the north-western part of Värmland, Sweden in the 17th century with colonising Forest Finns. Huuhta is the most advanced swidden cultivation method and involves burning down fully grown spruce forest and cultivating a specific type of rye in the ashes. The intangible cultural heritage that the craft tradition of Huuhta comprises of is not practiced in Sweden and is therefore in danger of disappearing. Juhola Finngård is a culture reserve with the aim to preserve a landscape formed by the Forest Finns and to protect the intangible cultural heritage, but there are currently no typical agricultural traditions or craft methods going on there. Juhola Finngård’s natural qualifications for Huuhta was investigated. Information about the craft process was summarized trough literature studies and information from a Finnish practitioner of huuhta. The craft process was summarized as follows; There is not one type of Huuhta method because the process is influenced by many factors, both social and natural and it needs to be defined in a social context. Highly situated, well-drained, non-blocky land that sloped to the south was preferable. The tree stock would consist mostly of spruce. The trees were cut evenly across the area in April or at midsummer time. The area was left to dry for 1-5 years. The burning was done just before midsummer. After the rye harvest, the area could be used for hay cultivation, grazing and harvesting wild berries. The craft processes was inadequately described in the studied literature. The practitioners information was similar to the literature study but differed and was more detailed at some points. In order to preserve the craftsmanship through dynamic practical conservation, more knowledge and practical experience is needed to determine detailed practical information. Juhola was after the location studies considered to have 3 areas suitable for Huuhta. When the natural and social factors that influence the swidden cultivation method are applied to the study area Juhola, it becomes clear that the natural conditions exist, albeit on a small scale. On the other hand, the conditions based on the human factors are lacking, such as the context of experience and the knowledge. Sustainable conservation and protection of intangible cultural heritage can be achieved by raising the awareness of the local community about the importance of the cultural heritage and background. There should be a long-term plan and a sufficiently large area. Huuhta should be part of a multi-part context.