Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! neck brush and the nib comes off

and the nib comes off easily

and though I have not been able to find out much about it

located in the Kitikmeot region

is the recipient of two NEA fellowships

with bright orange body

Very Old Carved Monk (?) Holding Ball (World?) in Big Hands! neck brush and the nib comes offThe 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