I have an Aunt Jemima item that doesn't have arms and the bottom where her legs would be is a small whisk broom. She is about 4 1/2 inches high. I don't know what she was used for, but it was handed ...
it sounds like you have what is called a silent butler. It's used to sweep crumbs off of a table. That would be my best guess.
Thank you Sean, I didn't even think of it being something like that and I think you are probably right. I wonder how old it must be?