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!

@sapnupuas everyone does!

Came here assuming everyone else would also think it's some kind of old fashioned dildo but no, just wholesome penguins and dolphins...whoops.

Gotta go feed my troops. Will try to post more pics. Thank you everyone, this thread is making me smile.

I thought penguin until I saw the markings. Possible a kiwi if they're Maori rather than Aboriginal?

The colours look like one of the Greek periods or maybe Minoan but that may just be because those are natural clay type colours and may be ubiquitous across many civilisations. We were in Crete last year and Athens the year before and there were some quite funky birds and beast objects!

I can't see it being a fish or dolphin. It's got feet! But since there are only two, perhaps the platypus theory is less sound. A kiwi is a fair possibility I think.

Try this reddit sub, they are so good!

The first thing that came to my mind when I saw it was a meerkat.

@CreditScoreOfaHomelessGhost ooh thank you that looks really helpful!

My BF thinks it's a ritual dildo!

Oh thank god. I thought it was just me whose mind didn't go immediately to penguins and dolphins!

@NoSquirrels 🤣🤣the beak evokes rabbits ears to me

It looks like a penguin to me, and looks like the stuff you can get in artisan markets in Peru, Bolivia or Chile.

Left my google image open on results for ancient/primitive terracotta dildos search!! It really caught my husband's eye just now. I think he thinks we are on for a fun evening! 🤣

@escorpion thanks that's another good line for research!

I’m a Classics teacher, I think whoever said Greek, possibly Mycenaean might be right. This picture (hopefully it attached properly!) is a vase of a bear, and is similar in style.

Look at cerámica diaguita or cerámica aymara. The aboriginal art is more earthy colours than your figurine.

I think it’s a seal.

Duck billed platypus? It does look aboriginal.

Also similar to this picture of a Mycenaean statue of a woman holding a baby

It is very unusual. Please let us know when you find out!

You need to go on Antiques Roadshow OP and put on your best surprised face when you are told it's 100's of years old and worth £1000s even though you've already had it valued and know full well it's worth!

I think it’s an Inuit seal

How big is it?

Could that splodge on the front be where it was attached to something?

My first thought was the top of a walking stick.

is it an otter

@Thereareliterallynonamesleft surely that is Pingu??? 🤣 But seriously that comes very close and would fit because my DF studied Classics and would have travelled to Greece in the 1950s.