Antique Statue - Help Identify

[impact_thrift_shop]

I was wondering if anyone knows what this can be. Thank you. 

 

[Anonymous]

What leads you to believe it's antique?

[candd205]

Looks like an incense burner.

[melda58]

Are you showing us a picture/print (not your photo) of this statue?  It seems suspended in mid-air.  

Rita

[impact_thrift_shop]

 

 

it's about 8 inches tall. If anyone has any info of the origin, I would appreciate it. I usually try to research as best as possible before posting on this forum. This one has me stumped. 

[sonomabarn67]

It looks Mayan and is an effigy. It may be Costa Rican. The original surface is intact and appears to not be restored. DO NOT CLEAN OR EVEN DUST IT! Handle with kid-gloves as you don't want any of that flaky stuff to come off.

Please take better, well-lit close-ups of the face and bowl.

[impact_thrift_shop]

Thanks for the info. Here's a few more shots. 

 

 

 

 

[sonomabarn67]

Thanks. Did you actually take new photos or just lighten the ones you already had taken?

[*smedley*]

you need to find an expert, museum or auction house that can evaluate it in person... fakes of pieces like that abound...

[impact_thrift_shop]

I took new photos. 

[sonomabarn67]

OK, I'll just let you, the OP, and the auction houses take care of this then.  I'll check back in a few months and see what they say.

[*smedley*]

maybe they'll come get your appraisal at the Antiques Roadshow...

[sterlingbays]

Probably of Central or South American origins based on design. Does not appear to be Asian nor African - though I would not fully rule either possibility out. It appears to be an item used to present some sort of an offering. Does it have any markings on it? It it constructed of ceramic, metal or neither? Does it seem to be solid or hollow? Does the little bowl have any kind of a scent or odor that may allude to what it once held? Good luck!