Hand-carved replica of a vintage ship's figurehead.  Ship figureheads, most popular between the 16th and 20th centuries, were carved decorations located on the bow of vessels.

Wood (probably oak, stained). 1991. Approximately 18" tall. Base is approximately 5"x 8".

Hand carved by Nelson Wood, former ARL Engineering professor at PSU. He was a well-known local wood carver, sign maker, and beloved resident of Boalsburg. Nelson Wood grew up in Bedford, Massachusetts, where he nurtured a lifelong life of the sea and ships. As a young man, Nelson constructed model ships and a full-size kayak, worked as a ship carpenter, and crewed on a swordfish boat. After graduation from college, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as both engineering officer and deck officer on the U.S.S. Williamsburg during World War II and in the ship's postwar conversion to a presidential yacht for Presidents Truman and Eisenhower. He served in the Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of Commander in 1979. Coming to Penn State, Wood became an assistant professor of engineering reserach, retiring in 1979. 

Nelson Wood was well known for his wood carvings and for instructing and encouraging other carvers. For decades, thousands enjoyed his demonstrations at the annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts. 

This extraordinary piece is donated by Anonymous friends of ClearWater.