Featured Thrift Find - Can anyone tell me about this old jade water buffalo?

I found this at a friend's 2nd hand/thrift store today. He had it on a shelf with a bunch of indian & buddha statues (he's spanish (I think he's cuban) & he's told me before that the statues bring him luck). This piece was new; I'd never seen it before so I asked him if he'd sell it?
At first he said no, but then I told him I'd give him $100 for it - and that it wasn't an indian or buddha so it wasn't going to bring bad luck to sell it - he thought for a moment, called his wife over & spoke to her, and then agreed to sell it to me!
Now I need to know if I got a good deal or did I shoot myself in the foot - again!? Can anyone tell me anything about it?
I know I've seen that star like symbol on the top of it's head before - what does that mean?
Any information would be greatly appreciated!
It measures 8" wide x 4" high.
Thank you!




PS - HERE IS ANOTHER COOL PIECE I FOUND TODAY; IT'S A VINTAGE (1950s? 1960s?) CAST ALUMINUM COUNTERTOP SIGN FOR PABST BLUE RIBBON BEER - NOT SURE IF/WHY SOMEONE PAINTED BOTTLE? BUT THEY DIDN'T HELP IT + THE ROPES & 3 CORNER POLES ARE MISSING - BUT IT'S STILL A COOL PIECE!

 

I think that's a soapstone water buffalo. Others may know better. He's happy-looking. No clue what they sell for new.

 

I thought that was possible because of nose but the vein or dark mark on back near hind legs made me believe it's jade.
Not sure either - why I posted it here!

 

I've been reading this old book about jade that I found at an estate sale, and one difference between jade and soapstone is their hardness. Jade is much harder than soapstone, so if little nicks or scratches are common on a piece, it might not be jade.

 

Soapstone can be scratched with your fingernail jade cannot.There are a number of stones which look like jade.Try scrapping the bottom of it's foot with your fingernail or a copper penny.

 

Yes, I love that the bull is smiling. Made me smile. but then, I am easily amused.

 

GAD! I first thought it was a fat bat!

 

I don't know what it is or where it came from but I LOVE THAT WATER BUFFALO

That is all.