Quite a wonderfully done painted papier mache bust of a lion I'd say--rendered as if erupting in a roar through the roof of the big top itself! There is a signature, or part of one on the base that I can't quite decipher, but the whoever the maker they certainly knew what they were doing, imparting this lion with huge personality though deft sculpting and painted details, right down to those bared fangs. Great.

4 13/16"" x 3 7/8" x 3".  Excellent vintage condition, I'd guess 1960s-70s.