Can anyone tell me about this lamp?

I've been cleaning out my mother's attic and I stumbled on this carved shell lamp. I remember this thing displayed in various places since I was a little kid (that makes it PRETTY OLD) but no one remembers where it came from. I've done some research on it but nothing much yet. Anyone have any ideas on its origin etc.? it would be nice to narrow it down a little.



It stands about 8" tall without the metal base, about 10" with it. Unfortunatly the base is temporarily misplaced...