Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! black lock and Russia

and Russia

examples of his far-ranging work (drawings

flipping up to reveal a repeat of the monogram design on the interior

The Caplans went on to a series of collaborations with MoMA

but I can't find a mark anywhere so have to assume it is silver plate

Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! black lock and RussiaThe seller I purchased this carving from thought the figure was a (bald) old woman, but I might think it's a robed monk (?), and that perhaps the large ball in his large hands is a metaphor for the world? Really I have no idea! I do know for sure that it is very old, and quite evocative I think, with this wonderfully expressive, curious round face and these great big hands out front. I think perhaps it was once painted, with the wood now showing