This ship’s figurehead is from HMS Rinaldo, a 17 gun Screw Sloop that weighed 1365 tons. The vessel was launched at Woolwich in 1860 and eventually sold in 1884. In 1961 the figurehead was moved to HMS Dauntless as an item of Naval interest, he remained there for 20 years before being taken in by the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre (DNHC).

Due to the large size of the figurehead the scan was done in situ.

The tradition of ship figureheads dates back to ancient times. In ancient Egypt, ships were often adorned with images of deities or protective symbols. Similarly, Greek and Roman vessels featured figureheads representing gods, mythological creatures, or animals, believed to safeguard the ship and its crew.

During the Age of Sail (16th to 19th centuries), the figurehead evolved into a prominent and elaborate feature on the bows of European ships. This period saw the creation of some of the most intricate and artistically significant figureheads, reflecting the maritime culture and the importance of naval power.

*The base of the object was recreated in Blender*