I'd say tape or the cue was sealed and later sanded on only where the light part is maybe to polish rings. Regardless, with time the oil will rise and the color will deepen and match
Is that a new cue or repair/refinish of the front. If a sealer epoxy was used and then sanded thru and then finished without it as opposed to the bottom. It would look like that or done by someone else. Different finishes give different appearances.