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Dead Eye — Maritime Archaeology Museum

Dead Eye

Maritime Archaeology Museum Maritime History Colonical
Period
Colonical
Date
2025-07-21
Materials
Wood
Dimensions
L-28.5cm, W-10.5cm, THK -4.5cm
Site
Godawaya Shipwreck
Inventory
MAMG/2009/W/16

Full Description

These were used to maintain pressure on the stays and shrouds of the standing rigging, helping to hold the mast, yard, spars, and bowsprit in place. They have no sheaves, but had three holes through which the lanyards were passed. The lower deadeye was fitted with an iron eye, which was connected to the chain plates attached to the outside of the hull.
Historical Context Deadeyes were essential components in the standing rigging of sailing ships from the 17th through the 19th centuries, particularly in square-rigged vessels. Their primary role was to maintain tension in the shrouds and stays — the strong ropes or cables that supported the masts laterally and longitudinally.

Gallery

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