BEAUTIFUL, BIG (25" Tall), CARVED ? WOOD SCULPTURE OF MOM NURSING YOUNG

I bought this off a friend who has a week to move and is selling a lot of things he's collected over the years.
Like me, he has no idea what the animal is! I think it looks like a cross between a deer and a anteater!!
And even though it needs a cleaning, the detail that went into it - especially the carving on the momma's back, stomach & even the sides of her face, is something else.
Whatever it is I love the thing!
Any idea where it is from?
It's tall - 25.5" and was done from 1 piece of wood.
But there is no signature or mark anywhere?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

Is mom missing horns?

 

Not that I can tell - she only has BIG ears!

 

But then what are the 2 holes in front of the ears? Aren't the eyes further down and oval?

 

Looks like antler holes to me too. I think it's one of those Kenyan gazelle carvings.

 

Good & interesting point on the holes................

 

not only missing horns...... ...she looks like ....Dad.....

 

I thought those were her eyes?

 

Wow.....u so need to watch more Animal Planet !

 

A lovely carving, Journey.
I thought the holes were for horns as well. The eyes are carved the same way as the kid's.

If that is dad, it is a rare breed, doubly endowed.

 

I thought they were the eyes & stones or something had fallen out - but I will be sure to check out Animal Planet next time I find something unusual that has to do with animals!!
Thank you all

 

I see one teat ...only......maybe I need to watch more Animal Planet !!

 

I see two next to each other, one with baby, one without.

 

Carving style similar to Bontoc/Igorote/Ifugao in the Philippines . They have small deer in the Philippines .... Could be African or South American .... that narrows it down...lol.....Can't say I have ever seen anything like that in the shops in the Philippines that sell that sort of "Headhunter" tribe carvings.

 

It does look a lot like Narra wood from the Philippines .... do a goggle search for Narra wood and have a look see

 

Will do!