Hi Corinne,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This could be carved soapstone or it could be carved bone or ivory; if it's ivory, there may be restrictions to selling it but there aren't limitations on selling bone or soapstone.

Initially, I thought this was Kenyan based on its similarities to carvings from that African country but the protruding jaw with its tentacle-like features is quite unusual and suggests that this isn't African but more Oceanic, which would be more likely to see octapus and/or squid with tentacles. Regardless, this is quite distinctive and likely to sell at auction for less than $300.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

African or Oceanic, 20th Century
Carved abstract figure
Depicting a figure with pronounced mouth articulated teeth or tentacles with elongated limbs, on a domed ridged base.
6 inches tall
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Unknown
$ 150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia