Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! parquetry tiles Distinctive from one another but

Distinctive from one another but terrific as a pair

and how useful for so many purposes

what a fantastic shelf

9 1/2" x 8

Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! parquetry tiles Distinctive from one another butThe 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