Overview
This is believed to be part of the figurehead of His Majesty’s Bark Resolution, which Captain Cook commanded on his second voyage.
Recently, there has been debate over whether it really did come from the Resolution. And there has always been controversy over what the figurehead represents. One researcher has suggested that it could be a talbot, an extinct breed of fierce hunting hound.
Ships’ figureheads were usually carved representations of people, animals, or mythical beasts. They signified the wealth of the ship’s owner, and were believed to bring good luck. They also had a practical purpose – they helped people recognise the ship.