Whether scaring off evil spirits or acting as lucky mascots to the crew, ship figureheads were once considered essential to a ship’s fate at sea.

Wooden figureheads were mounted or carved onto the bow of a ship, giving the impression that they were both leading it through the waves and also protecting it by placing themselves in front and acting as its "eyes".

The elaborate carvings also helped those who could not read to identify ships by sight, which was essential as most seamen were unable to read or write.

All of the figureheads here have distinguishing features that help to tie them to the ships they were carved for.