A Chinese something-or-other

Hi Friends,

Does anyone recognize it?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

May not be Chinese, cash coins were used to trade in other parts of (South) East Asia as well. And readily available for modern craftspeople around the world to use.
What is the body made of? A gourd, or pottery?

 

SIZE???

 

Definitely not pottery. If it is a gourd, it was hollowed out very well. Looks and feels like paper mache.

 

about 5" x 5" and 5 or 6 ounces

 

These additional pics may help in identification . . . The 2nd to last in the inside view.

 

the beads look like cheap plastic.....

 

And very new cord, much like you see on Chinese items, so it could be Chinese. Nothing definite though.
Wherever it was made, it is a nice combination of materials and colours, a fun item. Not traditional, with those strips at the top.

China is now subsidizing the making and selling of home crafts, so people in rural areas can supplement their income. I think this could be one of those rurally made home craft items.