I did some more research and found a few more images on the web, all labeled as Indian. 
 
In a Russian article about Indian weapons, I found a drawing of a similar object with the following explanation: 
"Figures 72 and 73 are objects used for collecting the sap and fruit of the Palmyra palm." 
 
I can easily imagine it being used for this purpose.
		 
		
		
		
			
		
		
		
		
		
		
		
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