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. Mermaids, bawdy women, and creatures both mystical and powerful take the center stage when you see the ships approaching bow.
Evidence from vessels discovered in Egypt, Greece, and the Polynesian Islands show that the concept of a patron symbol or deity is something that has been deemed important to so many cultures around the globe. For thousands of years different vessels have had some sort of figure on them, either on the bow (front) or the stern (back) of the vessel. But why do ships carry these symbols, and why do we not see them anymore on modern ships? Why have a female figure or a mighty creature? Let us start with a brief history of figureheads, and the significance behind them!
Some of the first examples have been ancient Egyptian vessel models, commonly found in tombs of Pharaohs or of noble individuals. Having a full-sized ship may be tricky to have in a pyramid, these smaller models often filled with carved figures of men and women would be used in Pharaoh’s afterlife for fishing and hunting ventures. These models, often designed to match the individuals’ full-size ship have animals such as bulls and rams (animals often used in sacrifice to the gods) to appease the gods as they sailed. Commonly seen in Greek and Roman merchants (often on the stern) are figureheads in the shape of a swan, a swan being a symbol of the goddess of love Venus/Aphrodite, and as a sign of peace. When you get to the early Middle Ages, you see Viking vessels with their fierce and terrifying dragon and sea serpent figureheads. These figures, like that of Egyptian ships, were seen as a powerful guide, a symbol to keep the sailors safe as well as warding off evil spirits waiting in the ocean’s depths.
During the Middle Ages, figureheads had a more educational meaning instead of simply bestowing fear or power. Roughly 80% of the population in European countries were illiterate, due to the lack of education and printing. A simple figure, such as the King or an eagle made it easy to determine which ship it was for those who could not read. From the 14th to 17th centuries with influences from renaissance and baroque art styles, we see far more elaborate figureheads as well as highly decorated sterns all displaying gigantic gold pieces, worthy of a king’s navy, which both Henry VII and Charles I displayed on their ships. By the industrial revolution in the late 18th century, the sheer cost of the figureheads as well as the switch from sailing ships to steam-powered, ironclad vessels began the end of the figurehead’s popularity. While some vessels continued to have a figurehead, these were smaller (half a human body) and made of softwood which meant the figurehead had a short life as it would be destroyed by water, etc. By World War I, the idea of a figurehead would end. Ships now carry small plaques or badges that the ship would wear, displaying their name or role, an example being a coat of arms by European ships. Figureheads may still be seen on private vessels and are rarely used by the military.
What about the ladies! The mermaids and witches. Surely there is symbolism to their importance in being on the bow of a ship. One superstition that many know today was that sailors considered it unlucky to have a woman on the ship, as they were often a distraction to male sailors; however, the use of a female figurehead was a common use. Images of mermaids (sirens) or scantily clad women often was seen as a good omen, as their beauty could appease ocean gods, making the sea calm. In pop culture and in folklore, we all know the stories of mermaids and sirens. From Odysseus’ encounter with the sirens and mermaids who lure sailors to their deaths using their voices, they are powerful and often fearsome creatures. While the idea of having mermaids as a figurehead is unknown and knowing these stories and the folklore behind these beings, it may seem strange to have one attached to a ship. Perhaps, it was used to trick mermaids, though more likely to entice sea gods to allow safe passage.
Fierce females in history and folklore were also used to adorn ships. Women like Queens Boudicca and Zenobia (who both lead armed forces in retaliation to enemy forces), and famous Greek women such as Atalanta and Medusa. Female characters in literature have also made appearances as a figurehead, names such as Rose and Nannie (from Tam O’Shante) and Penelope (Homer’s The Odyssey).
Here at the Houston Maritime Center you can find countless examples of figureheads across history on our models as well as on display. Some great examples we have here to visit are the Cutty Sark (mentioned above as Nannie) and the HMS Victory (look closely as they are small). The ships are still intact and have been preserved by England’s navy and government funds, and both of their figureheads are currently both projects for repair and will soon be on display to those visiting in the UK!
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