Figurehead (object) - Wikipedia
WEBA figurehead is a carved wooden decoration found at the bow of ships, generally of a design related to the name or role of a ship. They were predominant between the sixteenth and twentieth centuries, and modern ships' badges fulfil a similar role.
Figurehead | History, Meaning & Symbolism | Britannica
WEBFigurehead, ornamental symbol or figure formerly placed on some prominent part of a ship, usually at the bow. A figurehead could be a religious symbol, a national emblem, or a figure symbolizing the ship’s name.
A Brief History of Ship Figureheads - The Historic England Blog
WEBJan 31, 2019 · The Romans and Greeks carved wolf or boar heads representing ferocity. These were often mounted on, or carved directly onto, the most forward part of the ship’s bow (front) – forming an extension of the keel (primary structure).
What is Ship’s Figurehead? - Marine Insight
WEBJan 8, 2021 · The ship figurehead, which was popular between the 16th and 20th centuries, is a carved wooden decoration located on the bow of vessels. The ship figureheads were the highlight of ancient shipbuilding and architecture till their redundancy on account of developments in vessel-building and architecture.
The History of Ship Figureheads - Boat Safe
WEBFeb 10, 2024 · One of the most striking and prominent features on any old ship is the ship figurehead. A carved figure displayed prominently on the bow, these ornamental displays are iconic. Their origins stretch back further than some might think.
Ship figureheads and decoration - Royal Museums Greenwich
WEBFind out more about our collection of ship figureheads and carving that traces the history of ship ornamentation from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
The Figurehead - Houston Maritime Center & Museum
WEBJun 23, 2022 · Many people have seen the figureheads on ships but may not know what a figurehead actually is and why they adorn the bows of many ancient ships. A figurehead is a large carved object displayed either on the bow or the stern of the ship and is used to classify which ship it was and would carry favor to those sailing with it.
The Eyes Have It - Figureheads Through History
WEBJan 28, 2022 · For thousands of years, eyes were considered the most important characteristic of any ornamentation found on a ship’s bow. Those eyes kept watch over their vessel and crew. They looked out from a figure that identified the vessel, reflecting its name for the illiterate or foreign speakers.
Exploring the Fascinating History of Ship Figureheads - Cruise On …
WEBMar 1, 2024 · Ship figureheads are decorative symbols or figures that were formerly affixed to a ship’s conspicuous location, generally the bow. A figurehead may represent a national symbol, a religious symbol, or the name of the ship.
Figurehead on Sailing Ships - Naval History - SchoonerMan
WEBJan 4, 2024 · It is a carved wooden or metal ornament that is usually mounted on the bow of the ship. Figureheads often depict a person, an animal, or a mythological creature, and they have historically served as a symbolic representation of the ship's character, identity, or …