The cultural history of the garden gnome in New Zealand

摘要

Garden gnomes are a dominant, and iconic, component of the suburban garden statuary in many parts of the world, including England, North America, Australia and New Zealand. These ornaments have traditionally been depicted as bearded 'dwarf-like' humanfigures, male, with a red pointed hat, although this representation has diversified in recent years.1 Garden gnomes have long been ignored by garden historians, and have only recently been gaining academic attention, primarily in England.2 However, little is known of their usage and popularity elsewhere. This article will address this lacuna by examining their introduction and cultural significance in New Zealand. I identify two key periods in their New Zealand usage: (i) prior to the 1940s, when garden gnomes were expensive and utilized by a wealthy elite; and (2) since the 1950s, when they became more affordable and popular in suburban gardens. The article outlines key differences in the history and role of garden gnomes in New Zealand and England.