Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! neck brush and the nib comes off

and the nib comes off easily

11" corner to corner

It comes in an original protective cover to keep it safe

with bright orange body

and a nice hook closure at front and hinge on back

Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! neck brush and the nib comes offThe 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