In this thesis, I examine the cultural heritage in the area of the settlements of Smrečje and Podlipa in the Municipality of Vrhnika through the work of Sonja Malovrh. I focus on her activities in documenting, preserving, and presenting local cultural heritage, particularly her private ethnographic collection, the documentation of objects along with the stories and memories associated with them, and her inventory of hayracks. Sonja Malovrh’s ethnographic collection comprises around 500 objects, and she has also collected and recorded more than 30 narratives from local residents. The collection is presented as an important source for understanding former rural ways of life, work, and living, while also offering insight into the intertwining of tangible and intangible heritage. Hayracks are considered as a significant element of the Slovenian cultural landscape and local architectural heritage. Sonja Malovrh documented 65 hayracks in the area of Smrečje and Podlipa, and I organised, spatially analysed, and cartographically presented the collected data. Through the analysis, I demonstrated an uneven spatial distribution of hayracks and their close connection to land use. I highlighted the importance of private initiatives in documenting and preserving cultural heritage and emphasised that the work of Sonja Malovrh represents a valuable source for understanding the history, identity, and cultural landscape of the Smrečje and Podlipa area.
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