Figureheads
A carved wooden, or metal, decoration, figureheads are found at the bow of ships and embodied the spirit of a ship. U.S. Navy ships utilized patriotic figureheads onboard various warships, but their use has declined since the early part of the 20th century. The National Museum of the U.S. Navy has a wooden figurehead from the early 19th century on display in the Forgotten Wars of the 19th Century exhibit area.
NMUSN-142: Wooden figurehead. This wooden figurehead from the early 19th century bears a striking resemblance to the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV of England. The two decorations on his chest are the Order of St. George and the Star of the order of the Garter. This artifact is on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy’s Forgotten Wars of the 19th Century exhibit, Bldg. 76. National Museum of the U.S. Navy Photograph Collection.
NMUSN-143: Wooden figurehead. This wooden figurehead from the early 19th century bears a striking resemblance to the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV of England. The two decorations on his chest are the Order of St. George and the Star of the order of the Garter. This artifact is on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy’s Forgotten Wars of the 19th Century exhibit, Bldg. 76. National Museum of the U.S. Navy Photograph Collection.
NMUSN-144: Wooden figurehead. This wooden figurehead from the early 19th century bears a striking resemblance to the Prince Regent, who later became King George IV of England. The two decorations on his chest are the Order of St. George and the Star of the order of the Garter. This artifact is on display at the National Museum of the U.S. Navy’s Forgotten Wars of the 19th Century exhibit, Bldg. 76. National Museum of the U.S. Navy Photograph Collection.
Some Examples of U.S. Navy Figureheads
NH 115278: USS Delaware figurehead. Tamanend, Chief of the Delaware Indians. NHHC Photograph Collection.
NH 44587: USS Ohio (1817-83) figurehead. On display along the Montauk Highway, Long Island, New York. The carving depicts Hercules. NHHC Photograph Collection.
NH 115250: USS Connecticut figurehead. On display in lobby of the state capitol, Hartford, Connecticut. NHHC Photograph Collection.
NH 115209: USS Cincinnati figurehead, November 1900. NHHC Photograph Collection.
