Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! neck brush 11" corner to corner

11" corner to corner

is the recipient of two NEA fellowships

located in the Kitikmeot region

and the nib comes off easily

made of sweetgrass and ash splint

Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! neck brush 11" corner to cornerThe 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