Pirate ships and knowledge?

Question

I'm wondering if any one knows what the part of a ship is where there is usually a mermaid or a woman near the bowsprit, if that's what it's called. I need help quickly.

Answer 1

idk, but if u wanna know bout pirates and stuf, buy this book called pirateology for 10 bucks, its pretty great.

Answer 2

That's called a figurehead.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figurehead_...