Mysterious Monkey: Is the monkey evil?

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 be 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.

The material is soapstone and it's about 4 inches (10 cms) high. I do not know its origin.

This carving has puzzled me for 7 decades. Can anyone unpuzzle me?
All information and speculation welcome.