Acrostolium
An acrostolium is a decorative feature found on the bows of ancient Roman, Greek and other nations' galleys, in an upward-curving extension of the ship's stem, often terminating in a helmet, shield or animal motif. A precursor to ship figureheads, the acrostolium was a semi-religious object intended to draw favour from sea gods or ward off evil weather. Versions of acrostolia were also featured in rostral columns marking notable seaborne events.