Minerva Hood Ornament, circa 1925
THF151371 / Minerva Hood Ornament, circa 1925
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Artifact Overview
Many early 20th century luxury automobile manufacturers outfitted their vehicles with hood ornaments or mascots. These decorative mascots were not only an advertisement for the company, but were also a symbol of the car owner's wealth and good taste. Minerva, a Belgian carmaker, used the head of the Roman goddess of the same name. Minerva is the goddess of the arts and industry.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Hood ornament
Date Made
circa 1925
Creators
Creator Notes
Designed by Pierre de Soete.
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
28.499.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Pierre de Soete.
Material
Metal
Inscriptions
P. de Soete | 92
Keywords |
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Related Content
SetMotor Mascots
- 18 Artifacts
Hood ornaments -- formally called mascots -- are among the most prominent decorative elements on an automobile's exterior. Manufacturers designed mascots that communicated speed, power, or prestige. Some motorists replaced factory ornaments with aftermarket pieces that conveyed wealth and taste. More practical drivers capped their radiators with functional motometers to measure engine temperature. In any form, mascots made a statement.