Figureheads 2

Tugboats don’t have them although it’s interesting to imagine what part of the human anatomy they’d project forward if they did: one open hand or two, butt, shoulder, chin, etc. Figureheads have mostly disappeared from the seas now after living there for millenia. My favorite figureheads have to be those on Viking ships, but a regret is that I’ve not seen any lately.

This golden man who rides the bow of Danmark may have Viking ancestors. The intensity of his forward scanning eyes dazzles me. Does he have a name? Recall this post? Would a close-up of the man on the Harrier show similarly dazzling eyes?

Leave it to my Dutch cousins to place this on the Stad Amsterdam. But if she rides the bow at 17 knots, her clingy deshabille is understandable. Isn’t she chilly? The Amsterdammer “belt” is precious; I’m getting one. Echt mooi klaboutermannikintje!

 

A very different attitude is projected by “Joe,” I assume, figurehead of the Joseph Conrad at Mystic Seaport. I love Joe’s stories, but his pallor always leaves me feeling seasick.

 

Last one for now, Amistad‘s eagle is certainly more impressive than the one borne by the Coast Guard Eagle I wrote about a month ago.

To me, figureheads are about inspiration. I’m writing about them because I’m looking to be inspired. Any inspirational figureheads you know or motivational images or thoughts you would share?

All photos by Will Van Dorp.