Cast of a Baby's Head

Something weird and potentially wonderful here! I was bought it as a gift from an antiques shop in my local town, I have absolutely no idea what the story is behind it, neither do I have any idea of a date. I'm not entirely sure as to whether it's a direct cast, or a representation of a young child. I did hear that the child was struck in the head, hence the dent on the front of the head which is quite eerie yet could just be a design flaw. It is attached to a wooden base using what I believe to be a metal pole. It is 8x4 inches (approx), for all I know it could be a piece from this decade! Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you.