The bowsprit of is a pole or spar like mast extending forward bow.
It provides an anchor point for the forestays, allowing the foremast to be stepped farther forward on the hull.
As it just out from the front of the ship, it is also known as a widow maker because of the dangers of working there in heavy seas.
Early sailing ships had no safety nets, in fact these did not become common until around 1900 when they were installed on German Windjammers.