The Figurehead of the Snow Brig "Pilgrim"

The use of Figureheads goes back to the Egyptians who placed figures of holy birds on the prow while the Phoenicians used horses representing speed.
The Ancient Greeks used boars' heads to symbolise acute vision and ferocity while Roman boats often mounted a carving of a centurion representing valour in battle.
In northern Europe, serpents, bulls, dolphins and dragons were customary and by the 13th Century, the swan was used representing grace and mobility.
By the 18th Century the Figurehead often represented or had connection with the name of the ship.