Sickle with wooden handle. Inscription carved on the handle: W.P. (possibly for Wenceslas, Wilfrid, or William Poirier of Bonaventure).

The object reflects a skill traditionally associated with or practiced by the Acadian people. More specifically, the object reflects the agricultural production tools used by the Acadian people. The sickle is a tool used by Acadians to harvest grain: wheat, rye, barley, and oats. This operation is called "métivage" or "défaucillage." The time when this cutting takes place is called "temps des métives." (http://139.103.17.56/cea/livres/doc.cfm?ident=G0302&nform=T&retour=nul)

Acadians have been farming since the first colony was established in Acadia in 1604. Farming was a major source of livelihood, along with fishing. Acadians even farmed the marshes of the Bay of Fundy, where they built sluice gates to drain the land and take advantage of their natural environment. The intertidal zones also provided salt fodder, known as misotte or meadow hay, which was particularly appreciated by livestock. (http://www.ameriquefrancaise.org/fr/article-215/Aboiteaux%20acadiens#NOTE4)