Figurehead on a Wooden 3-Master, Maritime Museum, San Diego Bay, California. I didn't find the name of this old 3-Master on its hull but enjoyed the statue on the bow. Those figureheads are a pretty cool custom. Although, I'm not sure how well a figurehead would fit in with those huge, sleek, steel and glass vessels that they have these days.
Apparently, figureheads started off as talismans for good luck and safe sailing. The practice included eyes on ancient Chinese and Egyptian vessels (to find their way to the destination), deities on Phoenician vessels and, later on, even carvings of owner's wives. How's that for company?
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