Soapstone Monkey

I was given this peculiar carving as a small boy, about 70 years ago. What is its significance? My own theory is that the carving is a spoof of the famous Three Wise Monkeys (see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil). This monkey has only one ear covered and seems to listening happily, perhaps to evil. Others suggest it's a take-off on Rodin's "Thinker," but the monkey's hand is on its ear, not his chin.

I would appreciate any thoughts about its interpretation, its origin and any other information.

The carving is a little more than four inches (ten centimeters) tall. 

I don't really know if it should be classfied as "Folk Art" but it looks like folk art to me.