It was the very last exhibit we visited during this trip to Mystic Seaport and was my favorite.
Figureheads became quite popular in Western Europe during the 18th & 19th centuries. Carvings have adorned ships for 2000 years but the practice ramped up particularly with British, Dutch and Spanish navies over the last 300 years. Spanish figureheads were often saints, the Dutch liked red lions and the Brits likes lions and unicorns. Of course there were many more and here is a sampling of the Mystic collection. They have 45 more in storage due to a lack of exhibit space.
Figureheads were phased out as steam powered ships replaced ships with sails and riggings. Without riggings, there was no need for the bowsprit - the spar or mast that protrudes out from the bow of the ship. That was the natural place for a figurehead to be placed.
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