Ship's Figurehead

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Subcollections

Overview

A woman in a dress carved out of wood

Historical information

A figurehead is a carved wooden decoration found at the bow of ships, generally designed to "protect" the vessel. While they are traditionally located at the bow to watch for hazards and calm the seas, there are instances of figureheads or similar, smaller carvings, being positioned near doorways, particularly in a decorative or repurposed context.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-124-2020.946

Item type

Objects

Themes

Social History

Transport

Material

Wood

Width

350 mm

Height or length

840 mm

Depth

370 mm

Contextual information

This ship's figurehead was found on the beach near Busselton and given to Perth's Young Australia League Inc approximately 70 years ago (1923). Returned to Busselton in 1991. Possibly 16th or 17th century.

Keywords

Maritime Objects

Place made

Busselton, Western Australia, Australia

Primary significance criteria

Historic significance

Social or spiritual significance

Last modified

Wednesday, 4 March, 2026

Completeness

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