Hop field

Hop field as a monument

What was once the daily concern of people in the region around Asse (Belgium) seems almost forgotten as heritage. Asse has evolved from a prominent Hop city to a commuter city of Brussels. Fortunately, the regularly recurring Hop-Duvel parties revive history to some extent. But in addition to these harvest festivals, hop cultivation had much more influence on the development of the region's own culture. Religion, medicine, social interactions and lifestyles had and have many links with hop cultivation here. Respect for this authenticity gives stability, added value and identity to Asse. That is why putting a 'hop field ruin' in Asse back into use is a very valuable initiative. It helps new generations and newcomers get to know and appreciate Asse and its residents.

However, to realize this principle, it is not enough just to restore the field and grow hops there again every year. Clear educational guidance is essential to give spectators insight into the importance of hops for the region. In addition to an educational manual at the hop field, as a monument to the historical basis of the city, the art integration also contributes to the experience of reliving a time that forms the roots of regional culture.

The art integration is inspired by the spiritual experiences of the people of that time. A time when faith relied on a rich harvest.

The hop saints protected the fields against all harm. As 'scarecrows' they protected crops against bad weather conditions and epidemics. They helped keep the plants healthy and ensured high yields.

The art integration consists of eight large iron panels and a walkway in concrete tiles.

The names of the hop saints: SAINT ARNOUT, SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST, SAINT PETRUSASCANUS, SAINT ROCHUS, OUR DEAR LADY IN THE HOP, HH CROSSES OF ASSE and the words: HUMULUS LUPULUS, (the Latin name of HOP) are carved out of seven large metal plates. These panels are spread over the rows of hop plants, placed parallel in these rows. In the winter months, when the field is devoid of vegetation, the structure of the lettering reflects the direction of the growth structure. When the plants start to grow, the panels merge with the plants. The aisles between the rows remain clear. As you pass through the corridors, the panels are discovered and provide a filtered view to the next corridor. The lettering is taken from the old letter templates for the jute bags in which the hop cones were collected.

A tiled path has been laid through the second corridor and around the grounds. The tiles of the tour include texts from old herbal books. These old truths can be read during the walk through and around the field.