Japanese Art?

I found this piece the other day in Illinois. I have no idea what it is. I thought it looked cool and I grabbed it. On first site I thought it was a Japanese war head armor. But it is to small for an adult. It would fit a child. But I do not think it is head gear.

It has me and other antique dealers stumped. Any help would be great and any idea of its value.

Thanks,
Matt