Often mounted, or carved directly onto the most forward part of the ship, figureheads have a long history variously embodying religion, symbolism and superstition.
Zenobia and Miranda are typical examples of mid 19th century figureheads – full-length human forms, depicting classical or mythological figures. As many sailors could not read, they would often represent the name of the ship.
Zenobia was made in Bombay (Mumbai) in 1851, the merchant schooner she came from was launched in 1867.
She was named after the second wife of the King of Palmyra who succeeded him in 267AD. Claiming descent from Cleopatra, she was famed for her beauty and leadership. She seized Egypt, conquered much of Asia Minor and declared her independence from the Empire. She was later captured and taken from the ancient city in Syria, to Rome, where she died.
Miranda is a carved wood figurehead from the cutter yacht of the same name, built in Southampton 1820. Miranda is a Latin word meaning “to be wondered at”.