Gnome statues have received different perceptions from different people on their intended purpose and what they represent. The legendary statues of miniature creatures or dwarfs are perceived as mythical while others deem them spiritual statues. They are portrayed differently by different people and some of these perceptions and significant importance include:
Earthly elementals
People have always placed the gnomes in gardens because of the belief that the human-like creatures are magical and they live underground. They are supposed to only appear and night bit if they magically appear on land in daylight, they are turned into stone, leaving behind the characteristic garden statues.
Spiritual elements
Some people perceive gnomes to be spiritual statues. The discovery of an angel form in a gnome recently may be seen as a means to cement the belief. The images seen in the news revealed an angel-like sculpture inside the gnome. This is significant to some people because in normal circumstances, the gnome would have a hollow space beneath it.
Victory gnomes
Some gnomes displayed in gardens and museums have the gnomes holding two fingers up in a V-shape. A gnome statuewith this sign signifies victory as well as peaceful interactions.
Use of the V sign has a different meanings in different contexts and has been largely associated with victory in war and even sport. In general, the gnome with that sign signifies humility in victory as well as forgiveness.
Sponti gnome
These gnomes have gnomes holding up a middle finger and they signify ‘Rolling Change’. You will find them in different colors and other than that, they are staged in gardens in groups or scattered a bit such that they are isolated. Their locations are changed every once in a while but other than that, nothing else is done to these genomes. They are considered non-conformist gnomes.
See, Hear, and Say nothing sculptures
These gnomes have been sculptured holding or covering their ears. They give a comparative political idea established by politicians and generally, the gnomes used show that you didn’t and shouldn’t hear anything.
They are arranged and generally sculptured in threes living up to the Japanese maxim of the ‘Three wise Monkeys’; Mizaru, Kikazaru and Iwazaru. Each of the monkeys has a message and principle attached to it and that was shown through the depiction of their gestures. Gnomes in museums depicting either of the principles can be viewed and some are sold in art galleries or museums.
The others have the gnomes covering their mouth signifying silence, and to signify not seeing what shouldn’t be seen, there are gnomes with their hands in their eyes. They are all termed the bearers of secrets because of their designs and the perceived significance.
In conclusion, gnomes are perceived in different ways. Some people use the gnomes as art pieces in their homes or shops and they are there for aesthetics and beautification. Having some in homes and gardens is not considered seriously by most people.
Some people steal and travel with the statues, taking multiple photos with them and this is just for fun, returning the pieces after the trips. There is no universal perception or significance attached to the gnome statues.