Happy musical monk.

[youngtug]

Natural resins, such as shellac are often bulked out with the addition of sawdust or similar. If sawdust was used in this case then it would be likely to migrate to the top of the mould, ie; the base of the monk. This could account for the head sinking. It may be some other substance though.

[Greensleeves]

As far as I know he is not hollow.  He looks as though he's carved out of wood.  I am interested about the possibility of him being resin, YT.  That would make sense as he is much too light to be pottery or stone or suchlike.

[youngtug]

Resin melts. Poke a red hot bar of steel into the base and see if it melts, if it doe's then it's a good chance it is resin. [failing the acquisition of a bar of steel try a good sized needle]

[Greensleeves]

Thanks for that YT - I'll try that later when I've got a candle burning and a needle at the ready.  I will report back!

[Maggie.]

Ouch!  Please don't hurt the happy little fellow. 

[Mike in Cumbria]

Poke a red hot bar of steel into the base and see if it melts..

That certainly worked on Edward II.

[Maggie.]

Oh Mike 

Dastardly Deeds at Berkley Castle. I remember my father telling me of that gruesome story - it's what got me interested in proper History other than what they taught you at school.

[Greensleeves]

Have now had a chance to try the red-hot needle on my little monk.  Looks like he is made of resin as the base melts when the hot needle is applied.

[youngtug]

Being made of resin means he is probably of low monetary value but I am sure you will treasure him anyway.