I assume this carved head of a bearded man came from a very old figure representing a saint, or perhaps Jesus himself? I might guess European, but I'm really not sure, and would certainly think based on the weathering of the wood that it was situated outdoors. Now, I must say it indeed feels pretty ancient and pretty holy (including literally, as a portion of the back of the head has been eaten or eroded away!) and to my eye a very beautiful, tender thing. The wood has a bit of a gilded appearance, but I believe that is more a product of the aging of the wood than remnants of paint. 

4 1/16" t x 2 1/8" w x 2 3/4" d.  Definitely worthy of having a stand made for it!