Figureheads: On the Bow of the Ship. Cet article n’est pas disponible.Figureheads: On the Bow of the Ship

Figureheads developed from an ancient tradition of decorating vessels with painted eyes, carved figures and animal heads. Vikings in Northern Europe adorned the bows of their ships with dragon heads, which were thought to help ships see their way through the sea. But what other purposes did sailors believe figureheads served? What stories do these beautiful objects tell? And what do the different characters symbolise? Exploring the history and traditions associated with figureheads, this illustrated guide contains 60 examples from the National Maritime Museum, home to the world's largest collection of figureheads. With a selection of short in-focus studies, the book looks at mythology, memorial, gender, empire, politics and literature surrounding these unique carvings. The National Maritime Museum is part of Royal Museums Greenwich.

Sue Prichard is senior curator of arts at Royal Museums Greenwich in London. She is the author of The Fifties and Quilts 1700-2010: Hidden Histories, Untold Stories.


Jeremy Michell is curator of historic photographs and ships plans at the National Maritime Museum in London. He is co-editor of South: The Race to the Pole.