Evidence of the Schoolhouse Gnome

Nine Mile, MT, February 2, 2006 It has been believed for years, and the definitive compendium on gnomes, Gnomes by Poortvliet/Huygen states that there exists seven distinct types of gnomes: the woodland, or forest gnome, the dune gnome, the garden gnome, the farm gnome and the house gnome, and finally the Siberian gnome. All but the latter are good-natured, but always ready for a tease or lark. The Siberian gnome being a different matter. Cross breeding has affected them in a most dastardly way. Why in some parts there is nary a gnome to be trusted.

But of late, a new discovery has been glimpsed. I say glimpsed, because gnomenclature (the study of gnomes) is far from an exact science. It appears a new type of gnome has been uncovered locally. Evidence of the schoolhouse gnome has been reported.

If one consults the map of purported gnome dispersion in North America, this discovery is not to be unexpected.

This new type of gnome has been found to be of the benevolent variety. He appears to be closely related in size to the woodland or forest gnome, but exhibits characteristics of the house gnome. This would stand to reason as this type of gnome lives in schoolhouses. He reads and understands man’s language. As places of learning, he has had at his disposal volumes of history, written prose and poetry on which to contemplate, not to mention the personalities that have studied there.

This scholarly gnome resembles the ordinariy gnome, with a few exceptions. Instead of wearing a red cap, the schoolhouse gnome sports a golden one. In lieu of a tool bag, this gnome to carries a book bag and wears felt slippers. The slippers may be for a couple reasons. One of which it is believed that they allow him to silently cross wooden floors in a skating fashion. And being of benevolent nature, this action polishes the floor! These skating tracks can occasionally be seen on otherwise dusty schoolhouse floors when the early morning light is at its brightest.

As this discovery is rather new. Research and study have begun in earnest. A grassroots movement has begun to add the Schoolhouse gnome onto the official register of gnome types. Please keep your eyes open and report any evidence of gnome activity.

The above picture was taken in early February 2006. The fleeting moment was captured in the wee hours of the morning, hence the started appearance of the subject.


Valley of the Kings, Egypt
December 18, 2006

Possible gnome sightings (stop) photographs at tomb same as on file (stop) compare (stop) please confirm (stop)


The above photograph was taken shortly after Howard Carter gained entrance in 1922 to KV-62 aka tomb of Tutankhamon, the boy king.


This photograph was taken recently by a traveler visiting the Valley of the Kings, near Tut’s tomb. Remarkable similarity. Kin folk? Or a return visit?

Aswan, Egypt
December 19, 2006
Cairo, Egypt
December 20, 2006

There has been a recent flurry of purported gnome activity in the Middle East. This region was not previously associated with gnome sightings. It had been believed that the climate was too warm for them.

The above two photographs were taken by travelers on holiday. The first image was captured at the Temple of Phylae, near the city of Aswan on the Nile River. It appears that the subject is sporting a bookbag, which leads the experts to believe that he may be of the schoolhouse variety.

The second picture was snapped near the pyramid complex at Giza. The holiday makers were photographing the monuments and a group of locals, when the subject darted into frame startling the photographer, but then quickly disappeared.

The cap appears to be brilliant yellow. Though, its color may have been augmented by the intense desert light.

New Gnome Sightings in Italy

Florence, Italy
December 23, 2006

This picture was taken in the Piazza della Signoria near the Uffizi. This sighting could have easily gone unreported due to hectic Christmas shopping season.

It appears that the subject is actually posing for the photograph. We have tried to contact the photographer, for further information, but to no avail.

If you have experienced a gnome sighting please share with us. Besure to include any photographs, the time and place of sighting.

San Martino, Italy
December 27, 2006

A few days later, this picture appeared in a Tuscan village newspaper.

With the pointed cap and wooden stance, he could easily have gone undetected among the many cypress that line the winding roads leading to fortress hill towns of this region.

If you have experienced a gnome sighting, please share with us. Be sure to include any photographs, the time and place of sighting.

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