Final answer:
A figurehead is a decorative item on the prow of a ship or a symbolic leader with a title but no actual power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The item referred to in the question is a figurehead. A figurehead serves two primary purposes: on a ship, it is a decorative item on the prow (the front part of a ship), often intricately carved and painted. Common designs included animals or mythological figures, with some ships belonging to the wealthier classes featuring bulls, dolphins, or even humans cast in precious metals, signifying status and resources. In a political or organizational context, a figurehead refers to a leader or a person in a position of authority who has a title but no real power or influence over the actual governance; their role may be purely ceremonial or symbolic. Examples of this include monarchs in constitutional monarchies who do not wield executive power, but serve as a symbol of continuity and statehood.