One of a kind find today - What is this metal(?) buddha head on metal base?

I found this at the thrift store today & couldn't find anything like it while googling, but went ahead and paid the $49 price tag because I have seen anything like it.
I'm saying it's metal, but a magnet won't stick to it? Someone at the store who told me if I didn't want it he'd buy it thought it might be aluminum (if it is it's a thicker size; the piece is solid!)
It's hollow, but the bottom (under the felt) is covered with the metal too; it's not open - you can only tell it's hollow by thumping it (like a watermelon!).
What was this for?
How old is it?
Is it anything a statue or a sculpture? is it art? (no marks or signature that I could see) or just mass produced decoration?
Any thoughts on it would be appreciated.
Was it worth the $49 price tag (not what it's worth; just if it's worth more than I paid!)
Thanks
PS - It's 15" H x 5" at base

 

I'd say it's worth more, as a home decoration...........and yes...most likely mass produced from a mold..

 

Agree decorative modern

 

Chinese pewter/brass, not too old

 

Davey - that's one of Buddha's third eye cataracts I believe.

 

Pewter?

 

yep

 

Is there a way to tell if it's metal, aluminum or pewter?

 

Spelter...
Spelter is the most common commercial form of zinc metal. See zinc. Zinc (Zn), chemical element, a low-melting metal of Group 12 (IIb, or zinc group)

 

This isn't spelter, it's pewter. Chinese have been using pewter for a LONG time, spelter, not so much!

This head is probably a made in Hong Kong piece like this one, there's lots of it out there.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Chinese-Pewter-and-Brass-Vase-/233494504819

 

I know it's not spelter by the feel & sound when I thump it /flick it. I don't know what pewter sounds like but I just don't think it's pewter (but blooey knows as well as anyone here that I've been wrong before!!)