Calming the Storm

Walking the coastal path today from Brixham to Mansands and then inland. This figurehead is on the path at St Mary's Brixham.


The origins of the ship's figurehead lie in the early days of seafaring. They were used as religious symbols to protect the ship, and to express the sailors' belief that the ship was a living thing. There was also the belief that a ship needed to find its own way, and could only do this if it had eyes. Female figureheads were popular, usually baring one or both breasts. This represented the superstitions of the seamen. Women on board ship were thought to be unlucky, but a naked woman was supposed to be able to calm a storm at sea. Merchant ships also followed this naval practice.