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World Costume for Theatrical Productions
Forest Gnomes
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Very little information is available about traditional Forest
Gnome clothing, but some general habits have been discerned
from our limited observations and a few tall tales. The furs
of small creatures such as rabbits, squirrels, voles, and
raccoons are patched together into loose garments which are
secured here and there with wrapped cords. Men wear a short
tunic with a square neck along with knee or calf length breeches.
Women wear a shawl-like top over one or both shoulders, a
full skirt that ends somewhere below the knee, and a sash
to hold both garments in at the waist.
These gnomes also make ingenious use of reeds and bark, not
only for accessories such as sandals and pouches, but also
as decorative elements. River reeds and grasses are dyed and
woven in a form of crewelwork over leather and canvas. Brilliantly
colorful feathered capelets are worn on ceremonial occasions,
and sprays of bright feathers are frequently used to adorn
hats and caps. Bushy animal tails are used alone or in bundles
both as decoration and as proof of one's hunting prowess.
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