Please see photos for condition. The tip of the nose appears to have broken off quite some time ago, as the color is almost as dark as the rest of the surface. The age is unknown but this is the third of three figures I acquired at the same time from the same collection. All three appear to be quite old, based upon the weathering of the wood. I would expect this piece to at least be from the very early 20th century and my best guess is that it was created in the 1800s.
This rare and unusual piece is from Easter Island. It is a Moai Kavakava, a carved wooden figure influenced by the Rapa Nui culture. Generally they are considered to be representations of ancestors or demons, although their symbolism is not known. 19th century visitors to Easter Island reported that these figures were worn hanging around the necks of men who took part in the ritual dances during public ceremonies.
Measures nearly 9.5" tall and weighs just over 4 ounces. It is clearly carved wood, but I don't believe it to be the exotic Toromiro wood. That's merely a hunch on my part, though.
I have not been able to find an example of an identical figure online. Indeed, it appears these carvings are to some degree an expression of the artist who made them.
Unlike many of the wooden Moai Kavakava figures found on eBay and elsewhere, this figure does not have a highly polished glossy smooth wooden surface. It was not professionally made. It is well made but it is imperfect. The wood is light and dry, almost like driftwood. I am inclined to think this was an organically produced figure made by the islanders for the islanders, not to be sold to tourists.