Antique Candle Holder rare

This antique was handed down from my great grandmother (believed to be owned by great-great grandmother). I remember it sitting under an old lamp when I was a little kid. It appears to be dated back to the 1800's. My first thought is that it was a candle or incent holder. I believe the materials used are solid brass and iron. The fine details at the top are of a person's face with a headdress. A deeper look appears to be an Indian headdress and below in the middle is of some sort of wildcat with its mouth open. The feet have eyes on each side and appear to be a mask. And it is both riveted and welded together. It weighs approximately 25 pounds (no scale to verify). It is 14 inches tall and 10 inches wide (including handle). Everything is original and has not been altered in any way. I have yet to find anything similar to this piece.