Hankgärdesgård i Uppland: en fotografisk analys av hankgärdesgården

Abstract

The roundpole fence is a traditional Swedish fencing method used to protect crops and mark property boundaries. Different regions developed distinct techniques based on local traditions, materials, and environmental conditions. This study examines roundpole fences in Uppland, Sweden, from 1880 to 1920 through historical photographs and literature on fence-building traditions. By analyzing twenty-four photographs, the study focuses on structural characteristics, materials, and variations in design. However, differences emerged between fences in wealthier farming areas and those in rural cottage settings. Affluent areas typically used uniform, split spruce poles, while poorer regions relied on mixed wood species like birch and aspen. Maintenance also influenced fence appearance, with older structures showing collapsed slats and horizontal displacement. This study highlights how roundpole fences served both practical and social functions, reflecting economic conditions and local craftsmanship. By examining their construction and regional characteristics, it contributes to a broader understanding of Sweden’s rural landscape heritage and encourages further research into traditional fencing methods.