Help with the Identification of this Figurine

Ok. Sorry - I wasn’t sure. It is made of clay. Thanks.

 

WELCOME Lacinco !!! ... Joy.

 

Hello lacino. Can you tell us the dimensions? Is it hollow, and does it open? If so, photos of it opened, the interior, as well as the bottom might be helpful.

 

My thoughts go straight to Africa.....but I can't confirm that....
This one is above my pay grade......

 

Thanks to all for the replies.
@2manybooks The dimensions are 10" tall by 3" wide. It is hollow but with no definitive opening... except if you count the mouth and the holes where the leather arms and beaded earrings come through. The bottom is closed like a bottle. There is a small rattle sound if you lightly shake the figure.
@komokwa - I totally thought Africa and still lean that way, but when I was researching online I saw more things from South America that resembled... however, I still lean to Africa.
But Africa is vast :0 - I'd love to pinpoint the locale.

The arms are made of leather straps and the hands are made of small seashells.. So, naturally I was thinking somewhere coastal.

Oh well, Its fun trying to figure the figurine!

 

I am also thinking Africa, but having trouble finding a comparative example. I would expect something like this to be carved wood, rather than ceramic. The shape of the head looks similar to some Mossi fertility figures, "biga", from Burkina Faso:


But from what I have found these are usually of wood (and have prominent breasts). There are some historical ceramic figural traditions in this area of West Africa (Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria), but there does not seem to be much in the way of more recent work.

My other thought is that this figure might be made by a modern artist, inspired by African traditions, like the African American artist Renee Stout's work.

It is an interesting piece. I was surprised when you said it is only 10" high. It has a monumental feel.

 

Wow. @i need help and @2manybooks. Both of your trails exceed what I was finding.
The Burkina Faso dolls heads are very similar. Also, the Namji fertility dolls share many many attributes, I feel. I will further explore these both.

Of course I don’t know that this is an antique and have entertained the notion it could be modern. I will say that it appears old.. the patina on it’s surface the leather, especially the shells... however, the twine that holds the beads that makes the earring.. seems it would be more degraded.
Also, perhaps the fact that it is not wood means it’s more modern? Either way , I have much to explore. Thanks to all.

 

The twine, you speak of...looks oddly like average twisted cotton string...& finding old worn leather for the arms....is hardly difficult..

still....the Namji......well it does have that look !!