To not know what this object is and what it might represent? Pictures inc

[Geppili]

I wonder whether any of you can identify this figurine. My late father gave it to me years ago. I'm having a clear out and would like to know where it is from and what it might mean. It seems to have the corona virus on its breast! Is it a goose? But then why three legs? Is it a ritual object? Looking forward to hearing from you!

[flaviaritt]

I think it’s a penguin.

[iLovee]

It looks like a penguin to me!

[Goosefoot]

I was thinking a dolphin.

[AllHallowsEve14]

It looks like a penguin

[Goosefoot]

Do you know where it came from, OP?

[NymphInYellow]

I'd say a penguin too.

[BadTimesAtTheElRoyale]

Another penguin vote here.

[PaquitaVariation]

It’s a penguin. One of the feet is his tail.

[Yebanksandbraes]

It looks native Australian or possibly from an African country. Do you know where he got it?

[LadyFeliciaMontague]

I don’t think penguin. The markings make it look slightly aboriginal. Did he do any travelling at all? I’m wondering if it’s some mythical creature of some description.

[JimmyJabs]

I immediately thought it was a platypus, because of the vaguely Aboriginal Australian feel of the patterns.

[SquirrelFan]

Looks Inuit-y?

[Geppili]

Oooh thank you! So many replies! I too have thought or penguins and dolphins. It is made of solid heavy terracotta. My DF used to have it in a display cabinet of 'antiquities and oddities'! We were never allowed to touch them. Then he gifted me this one which I loved as a child. He was a social science academic. He went to Greece a great deal and Carrie an a few times. My BF thinks it's a ritual dildo! 😂😂

[Geppili]

@JimmyJabs the platypus idea is good!

[Geppili]

@SquirrelFan that's another line of research thank you!

[Geppili]

@PaquitaVariation that's so observant and clever!

[goose1964]

I have a replica of an ancient Greek horse. The markings are incredibly similar, if it is a copy of an ancient Greek model then it's either a fish or a dolphin

[DressingGownofDoom]

It looks like a primitive electric toothbrush.

[Geppili]

It makes everyone laugh when they see it!

[TheCatsAss]

I hope that when you say you're "having a clear out" you mean you're getting rid of it and I can have it!?!?

Pleeeeeeeaaassse?!?

[PamsterWheel]

Otter or platypus

[Geppili]

@TheCatsAss 🤣🤣 it's a very desirable object. It feels great in the hand.

[PamsterWheel]

I think it's two legs and a tail rather than three legs

[sapnupuas]

Why do I love it?

[Geppili]

@DressingGownofDoom or a primitive pie crust holder?