Why did ships in the past have wooden ladies carved into them?

Question

And what were they called?

Answer 1

Yes, they are called figureheads.  Another purpose for them was to fulfill an old nautical superstition - it was said that a gale could be calmed by a woman exposing her b*****s to it.  That is why so many figureheads are of a woman stripped to the waist.

Answer 2

they are called figure heads

they would use the heads and sometime b*****s of women to lead the way...mother nature...and mermaids...if you look closely at some figure heads ...some acually have scales carved into them...i build those types of ships as a hobby..even viking ships..and tall ships..