I asked /r/whatisthisthing and got downvoted and no help. I received this as a gift. It's about 10 inches tall and is carved out a 2 inch solid piece of wood, quite hefty. It pictures the 12 disciples (I presume) and other than the person who gave it to me saying that it was valuable I really don't know much else about it, but I would like to!
You need an expert to try to identify its provenance, but it is likely medieval or medieval-inspired based on their dress and the architecture in the background. Note the halos behind the heads of the figures indicating their sanctity. I think I can see three of them holding books, implying they are the apostles, though since there is not a fourth guy with a book, this may not be correct. On the other hand, it could represent 12 crusaders, 12 monks, 12 saints, or 12 church fathers. Like 3 and 7, 12 was a number used in the middle ages quite often because of its religious significance. Medieval art often depicts the 12 apostles, but they are usually depicted with the Big J-man, and if they aren't, they are usually pointing or looking to something Christ related. Here are some similar kinds of carvings:
Enter a google search for "12 disciples medieval art" and you'll get tons of similar images.
If you are anywhere near a university with a history and art history department, contact the medieval faculty and ask them about it.
