What a fascinating discovery! If there is no makers mark on the underside here are a few thoughts:
The artifact appears big, thick and heavy. Until a size reference is provided, I scaled the artifact based on the floor plank assumed to be 6”. That makes the artifact about 32” as shown in the first picture. Looking close at the holes along the periphery, they appear to be beveled (for recessed screws) and the metal appears thick. Combining the size and thickness, it is probably fairly heavy, probably too much for a car or semi hood.
As Dave pointed out it has an Art Deco feel. The lines making “V” shapes look uneven to me. I realize the lines on the outsider V are meant to diverge, but even those on the inside seem a bit wavy — like they were hand engraved. Considering this, perhaps this artifact was part of a bigger statue or art sculpture. I’d send pictures to some art museums or a state historical office to see if they can ID.
Given that it was found in the Shenandoah River I also pondered a ship figurehead, but those are mainly of a person-like or animal figure and project away from the front of the ship. This artifact is designed to hug whatever it was attached to. Plus I’m not sure the river at Port Republic, VA. is navigable by a large ship.
Good luck!
