(CLICK on the red underlined links below to learn more about Liguria, the Celts, and the Gnomes.)

Until recently, GNOMES were thought to generally look alike, and favor colder climates. These northern European Gnomes are depicted as portly little characters, about 6" tall, with large white beards, and are often depicted in the popular press as the typical “Garden Gnome”, as seen at left.      However, in recent explorations of the region of LIGURIA, in northwestern Italy, evidence has been found of a local sub-group of Gnomes living high in the mountains for centuries. These Italian Gnomes are taller (11-14"), but have the same general appearance as the better-known northern Gnomes, and are most probably derived from the same ancestors. The Italian Gnomes taller and slimmer than their northern counterparts, possibly in response to the milder climate, or perhaps it’s their Mediterranean diet. They seldom have beards, and their dress is also different, favoring naturally colored light-weight clothing, sandals, and softer caps, as seen at right.     In an interesting synchronicity, there was an early  pattern of settlements and traditions of CELTS in this region, as there was throughout Europe at the time. Celtic coins, dated from betwen the First and Third Century BCE, have also been recovered in Ligurian river valleys, indicating that In fact, the history of the Celts and the myth of the Gnomes shared many similarities in location, distribution, and lifestyle. Could these two ancient races of beings even have co-existed in space and time, here in Liguria, this mountainous region of northwestern Italy?

The Alta Casella Gnome Clan was only one of several on this mountain. Each Clan was made up of a large extended family and a few close friends, about 15-20 adults in all, and several more children and adolescents. The Clan built and occupied their own tiny village, interconnected to the other clan villages by barely visible foot paths through the undergrowth.     These clans on Monte Molinetti were all related by marriage, custom, tradition, locale, and social ties and, together, made up a Gnome Tribe . The entire collection of Tribes in this region of Liguria constituted a Council, which governed themselves by a consensus of Tribal Elders, who settled all disputes among its Clans and Tribes. Like most of the tribes, our Alta Casella village was located in and around the massive roots of a cluster of ancient Chestnut trees. A cleared central square served as a common, open area, still hidden and protected by the overhead leaves of wild vines, shrubs, and groundcover. Due to the small size of these Gnomes (11”-14” tall), all of their activity and structures fit neatly beneath the lowest level of the forest canopy, affording them ample protection against disturbance by larger animals and humans, although they had a generally peaceful co-existance with both during this time in history. Still, this was a private race of beings, and they always carefully monitored and controlled the wisps of smoke and fragrant odors emanating from their fires.     The Gnome homes were a mixture of wood and stone construction, and some were built either partially or entirely underground, among the tree roots. Although the architectural style of the homes was widely varied, the wooden construction was finely crafted, with pegged or mortise-tenon joinery, and the stonework was carefully and artfully made, sometimes set dry, and sometimes connected and sealed with cement-based mortar. A unifying design element was the sharply pointed Gothic Arch which formed the  front door of all buildings, evoking the shape of the Sacred Crystal, an important element of their spiritual traditions.     On a typical day, the older women tended the fires, which were made in outdoor baking ovens in summer, and indoor fireplaces in winter. Young men and women ventured off along the hillside to gather firewood and foods, mostly nuts, berries, mushrooms, and other edible plants. In season, the Gnomes also gathered and stored wheat seeds and fallen chestnuts which were dried and stone-ground to bake the day’s bread. A group of older men went off to see whether the wild grapes were ready for fall harvest and winemaking. Children helped their parents, sat reading and learning from elders, or played in and around the village.

In this "Alta Casella" Clan, the Elder was Nonno Giuseppi ("Grampa Joe", seen at left), asisted by his wife and partner, Nonna Carlotta. Together, they constituted a "Benificent Royalty", who gently guided the clan toward a concensus after due consideration of everyone's input and feelings. Once a decision was reached, the entire clan always stood together in unity.     They also consulted the Clan Shaman (below) frequently, for his spiritual and ethical wisdom. Since Giuseppi and Carlotta were also the parents, grandparents or close relatives of most of the other clan members, the village actually functioned a an extended family. Like all families, however, there were occasions when disagreements caused friction, and it was the gentle guidance of the elders which helped to calm emotions, and restored order and civility in the village. When it came time to tell stories, the children and adults both gathered close to this couple, who shared the storytelling duty seamlessly between them, and entertained and educated everyone who listened.

Another important clan member was Il Scrivano, "The Scribe", who was also Giuseppi's older brother, and served as both the group's Historian and story teller. He can be seen below, as he sits at his writing table, scribbling notes about the latest events in the Village, the comings and goings, the disputes and resolutions. .

.

Il Mago (The Magician, or Shaman) was the spiritual leader of the community. His role was that of a healer, counselor, and source of spiritual wisdom. He obtained his powers and knowledge through shamanic journies to the Otherworld. This Ancient One has contributed many inventions and much wisdom to his tribe. Now he often sits and reflects upon his life, and the many adventures he’s had. The most important and unforgettable was when he was a young Gnome, exploring a mountain cave with his friends. Deep within this cave, he discovered a large clear crystal. This gem was oval in shape, larger than his fist, and seemed to radiate light in the dim recesses of the cave. The discovery sealed his fate to become a Shaman, and the stone became a Sacred Crystal. This sacred gem has now become an important symbol of the clan’s spiritual tradition, and reflects the richness and generosity of the Earth Mother, Gaia. (images to follow)

Click HERE to return to the Home Page