What is this thing on an old ship called?

Question

I need to know what the thing at the very front of an old ship is called. It's usually a lady's head with wings, or some other form of a lady or mermaid. I just need to know what it's called.

Answer 1

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

Answer 2

figure head

Answer 3

the technical term is, figurehead