Nautical Term: Figurehead
Definition of Figurehead
A figurehead is a decorative sculpture, typically representing a human figure such as a woman, placed at the foremost part of a vessel, just beneath the bowsprit.
For example, The ancient ship, the Sea Serpent, proudly displayed its carved figurehead, a majestic woman with golden locks, holding a trident in one hand and a crystal ball in the other. The figurehead was not only a decorative element, but also a talisman believed to protect the ship and its crew from harm during their voyages.
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