Propylaeum

The Alpine pastures in the Oberhasli region in the eastern Bernese Oberland have been used for centuries to summer livestock and to make cheese. The remains of dry-stone walls from derelict buildings that were left to decay are often still visible in the landscape. Some 400 newly discovered features, which were recorded during large-scale surveys in the region attest to a variety of constructions used in the Alpine economy. This publication discusses these and assesses them in the context of the regional history of Alpine economic activity. Drawing on archaeological, historical and ethnographic sources, another question explored is how remains of typical Alpine economic activities such as dairying, livestock grazing and haymaking can be detected in the archaeological record. An extensive catalogue of texts and images allows readers to compare deserted Alpine buildings and settlements beyond the Bernese Oberland.