Missions donation box

Medium:
plaster paint (coating)
Dimensions:
13.5" x 4" x 7" (34.3 x 10.2 x 17.8 cm)
Tradition:
Place of Origin:
France
Repository:
Private Collection.
Date:
early 20th century CE
ID:
13113
Notes:

Photographs © Thomas J. Whitworth, used by permission. 

Either French or Belgian. Originally made for Anglophone reception (note impressed words “THANK YOU,” which have been painted over, for Francophone use, by the French “MERCI” in black on the gold paint.  A weighted metal arm, affixed inside the head, makes the head nod, in represented gratitude, whenever a coin is dropped into the donation slot in the basket held by the figure. Has been repainted.