I believe this carving was made by the same person as the burl wolf with bared fangs also listed today, found together and with a similar manner to the carvings, though this guy feels like a calm sage, to counter to wilder instincts! (Specifically, he looks like a judge to me, carefully listening to both sides of the argument. ) Really quite a wonderful carving I think, very expressive face and with the natural form of the burl giving him quite an excellent helmet of hair. Perhaps African American? I'm not certain. Feels completely of the wood from which he was carved. 

 3 7/8" t x 2 1/2" w x 1 3/4" d, beautiful condition. I believe earlier 20th century than later.