Nao Victoria

[Tomnbirdie]

Off the port bow of the Nao Victoria there is lashed a barrel..what is its purpose.

 

[Bryian]

I haven't seen a barrel mounted on the bow like that before. Perhaps its a toilet ?

 

[Bela]

I would not attribute any historical value to this illustration.
The barrel is just as questionable as the water stay between the stem and the knee under the bow castle. The latter is arranged in a completely pointless way.
I also think that the capstan and wipp staff are wrong.
The guys on the yard have conquered gravity...

 

[Tomnbirdie]

Note in this artist's painting that he has a lashed barrel
near the stern as well! There must be a common sense
reason??

 

[Bela]

Please note that these are not historical images.
The artist is certainly not a luminary of shipbuilding history who is above all doubt.

I also think that the dense row of scuppers in the cowl is a misunderstanding, based on modern replicas.

There are, however, historical images that show barrel-like elements in the area of the stern. Their function remains speculation, I think.