Mascots, as hood ornaments are known to our European cousins, were often exquisitely styled art deco creations. In the late 1920's and throughout the 30's and 40's elaborate hood ornaments were very popular with auto designers. Winged goddesses, graceful birds, and intricate animal designs were common. Some auto manufacturers began the use of distinctive hood ornament designs as a logo or branding. Examples would be the archers on the Pierce-Arrows, the ram on the Dodges, the Spanish explorer on the DeSotos, the leaping leopard on Jaguars or the Indian chief on Pontiacs. Of course, one of the longest-lived and most readily recognized hood ornament is the "Spirit of Ecstasy," which Rolls-Royce commissioned English sculptor Charles Sykes to create in 1911. The silver lady with wings still signifies the Rolls-Royces brand today.