Featured ID help : carved gilded wood sculpture of a friar

They are fine, Gian.
As Aaron said, a woodcarving isn't hollow. Terracottas of this size usually are.
I think it could be terracotta which has had a gold paint bath. The fibres on the inside look like a different material to the rest, almost like dried glue, or maybe the remains of a label.
When you tap against the outside, does it sound like terracotta? Do you have something to compare it with?

 

As I touch it and look at it I begin to convince myself that it's really terracotta I think you're right, as usual.
Thanks also to other friends who had doubts that the material was wood. This makes me realize that often what I am convinced of may be wrong, which is why I love this forum of special people; there is always something to learn.

 

I begin to convince myself that it's really terracotta..........

Good......keep on learning !!!

& I respect you for being open to the idea that even though you protested it being wood......just maybe.....it's not !!!!

 

If it’s wood it will likely float on water, terracotta clay will sink.

 

Good point!

 

Floating Francis?

 

later I'll give him a nice bath

 

Dear friends, I gave a nice bath to San Francesco, and it sank immediately ..... obviously I rescued him promptly so as not to drown him.
It is practically not wood, it is terracotta. You were all right except me Thanks for your time .

 

(sigh of relief )