“While the precise origin of the pirate flag is unknown, its ancestry can be traced with some certainty. They were used to intimidate the enemy or victim, and the flag was designed to conjure up fear and dread. It was an important part of the pirate armoury, and was the pirate’s best form of psychological warfare, especially when combined with a preceding reputation of not showing any quarter if opposed. If a pirate could intimidate an enemy to heave-to without offering resistance, then danger to the pirate crew would be eliminated, and the victim’s ship could be taken undamaged, thus maintaining its value. Threatening images on the flag were often associated with a known pirate (and hence his reputation), or could conjure up more specific warnings.”
via things magazine
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