Final answer:
The provided text does not give information about the object that Amélie's father puts near her mother's ashes, thus an accurate answer cannot be given.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question pertains to an object placed near someone's ashes, and after reviewing the context provided, it does not correspond with the movie 'Amélie'. Therefore, I am unable to provide an accurate answer regarding what Amélie's father places near her mother's ashes since the provided text is unrelated to that scenario. In the film "Amélie," directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Amélie's father places a small ceramic garden gnome beside her mother's ashes. This gnome becomes a poignant symbol throughout the movie, representing both the father's attempt to cope with his grief and the quirky, whimsical nature of the film itself. The gnome serves as a connection to Amélie's childhood and her family's history, emphasizing the importance of small, meaningful gestures in the face of loss. Its inclusion in the narrative adds a touch of magical realism to the story, underscoring the film's themes of love, connection, and the impact of small acts of kindness in the world of its endearing characters.