Unknown indigenous piece

Anyone recognize it? It weighs about 13 ounces. Thanks!

 

Is it a case? a whistle? a knife? Is it long enough to hold a pair of chopsticks?

Forgot
It looks Chinese.

 

Seems to me like a tobacco holder.

 

Is #1 a crack, or does it open there?
Is #2 a hinge and does that side flip open?

 

Indigenous to where?
What is the material, bamboo with clay and coloured stones?

 

Is it a bamboo worm holder?

 

A travel case for worms?
For bamboo worms?

 

Yes exactly. Like a snack holder. Maybe deep fried worms.

 

The food of the future.
http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3749e.pdf

 

I love this link. In the preface, a woman is putting insects into a bamboo holder. The OP's piece is just a fancy lunch pail.

 

A worm tiffin.

 

Exactly.

 

#1 is a crack; #2 has nothing to do with the extension. The knob-looking piece above it (on the left, next to the crack) is what one grabs to slide out the inner part.

 

I was hoping you guys would know what group made this. Sounds correct as far as the material.

 

looks like a fancy brush or scribes pen holder..

 

carved bamboo, or cane, with inset stones.....

 

Any guess as to where from or how old?

 

Sorry. No idea. I was just trying to amuse while you waited for a serious answer.

 

i've never seen anything like it.......