Released on: January 16, 2008, 1:33 pm

Press Release Author: Rosemary McKittrick

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: Rosemary McKittrick is one of the leading authorities
covering the auction market of art, antiques and collectibles.

Press Release Body: Jan. 16, 2008--The golden-haired figurehead in her white and
green gown seems confident and casual about her ability to calm Neptune. Battling
the wind she embodies the spirit of the sailing ship as she looks down over the
waves. Soothing the sea gods, she makes sure the voyage will be safe.

Fair-maiden figureheads, mermaids, mariners, and even twin sisters imbued the bows
of early sailing ships with an almost human personality. The ship\'s character and
quirkiness were well known to the sailors who sailed them.
Often the maiden\'s arm in these guardian spirits was extended to carry a wand or a
weapon.

The other arm might rest upon her bosom holding a rose or bunch of flowers. Some
figurehead carvings were amazingly inventive. Others came from pattern books.
Quality varied.

Eyes sometimes glared. Arms, necks and chins might be simplistic. Carving could be
delicate, crude or conventional. Changes in the design of ships also affected the
size, shape, and position of a figurehead.

Almost always, figureheads outlived the massive oaken ships whose bows they graced.
The ships may be long forgotten but the figureheads themselves live on in museums,
private collections and antique shops.

In many ways it\'s like trying to study the human body by only looking at the head.
The biggest parts are missing.

The names of many of the self-trained, figurehead carvers are also long gone.
Carvers saw themselves as artisans more than artists.

Whether its ship\'s figureheads, carousal animals or tiny toy creatures, whittling
has always eased man\'s anxiety and soothed his soul.

The golden period of sailing ships in the 19th century saw the height of bow
decoration. Ships berthed at South Street, New York, in the 19th century picture
giant hulls, rigging, and figurehead sculptures leaning over the wharf. Ships filled
the harbor like cars filling a parking lot.

The figure might resemble the ship owner or his wife or children. Famous people like
Davy Crockett and patriotic themes like the American eagle were also popular. Racial
and gender stereotyping was plentiful.

On Aug. 18 and 19, 2007, Northeast Auctions; in Portsmouth, New Hampshire featured a
selection of vintage figureheads in its Portsmouth Summer Auction.

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