Folk-Style Farmer Figurines

These have been in my family since I was a child (maybe before?). We used to have them on the table every Thanksgiving. They are 12'' tall and fairly heavy. I'm not sure what they're made from - not porcelain. They feel more like clay or stone. They are unique - at least to me. I've never seen others like them but maybe someone out there can give me some more details about what they are. I've tried to hunt down that maker's mark but have had no luck. Any thoughts? I'm putting them in folk art but could use suggestions about how to classify them.