Origin of the term "Bow Ornament"?

That's a lovely photo of the bell, but I'd rather have this belle on the bow of my boat. Wiki all you want, a picture says a thousand words.

Wow, she can ring my bell. Oops, sorry Bro.
But those booties are such a turn on...

Figureheads originally evolved from the large "occuli" (eyes) painted on Arab dhows. The Europeans picked up the concept of having eyes looking forward to protect the ship and included all kinds of animals as long as there were eyes looking forward. Based on the proclivities of sailors ashore combined with the ever-seeing eyes, buxom beauties under the bowsprit became the decor of choice for mariners around the world.

Now, Tom, since this is forum that enjoys the details of the various yachts whose pictures grace Carl's fine site, can you confirm or deny that the "belle" you posted is the bow ornament on a late model 155 foot Christensen?

Stan, there's a boat in that photo?!?

I just couldn't see the "eyes" to protect the ship...........

They are there, just look up.

That belle is certainly a shining beacon for the prow. That bow remote controlled searchlight can't match her candlepower!

Right you are, Ron.
I was going to mention her beam-to-length ratio and pronounced tumblehome that runs all the way to her transom, but I had better not.
Hey, I'm talking about the boat.

Certainly enphasis on beam. I am sure she is pretty spacious on the interior! She doesn't look a late model though, either that,or her owners kept her very well, what a bow ornament.

What a way to derail a thread...

Tommy boy you seem to have some guilt!, the thread wasn't derailed? We are talking about the boats right? Bow ornaments...

Now that you put it that way.
And I'm sure Carl doesn't mind it. In fact, I think he egged us on with his photo.
Can't wait until he starts a thread about engine rooms. VROOM, VROOM!

SOLD!!!
Call it whatever the heck you want......
Where do I sign?

I don't think you can buy people outright anymore ... there was that string of wars about that...