What is this part called?

[slatgrille]

While at a recent show, I took pics of a nice '29 RPU that was 'restored'. Where the hood latches are located there is a sort of 'cover' over the frame section that runs all the way to the front where the radiator apron mounts. I have never noticed this before nor have I seen it in the catalogs. I thought the latches mounted directly on top of the fender where it mounts to the frame.

What is this called? Is it original to the car, or a piece to 'dress it up' so to speak?