Acadian Janus

Janus was the Roman God during the classical period who was capable of looking upon the past and the future. His personification normally represents him as having two faces, one of which looks "forward", and the other which looks "backward", all of which allows him to accomplish important and unique tasks. In the above representation, looking upon the past, Janus contemplates the difficult hardships encountered throughout the early Acadian history.

His face, as it looks forward (to the right) contemplates the hardships which Acadians must still overcome in looking to the future. The latter Janus face shows us traces of a woman's features in recognition of the increasing role which they are called to play in the future history of Acadians.

Eight major themes or "ideas" of the past are interwoven with four major themes for the future between the two faces. Each of these themes or ideas are available as silver broaches, of varying weight, and have been sculptured in wax and later molded in sterling silver.

The broaches are completely original, and bring out the artist's talents in areas of drawing, sculpture, and jeweler, while drawing upon techniques of molding and others. The artist traces her ancestry in the history of Acadians.

1. Christ on the Cross

Source of inspiration and devotion for Acadians and their fore-fathers.

2. Man of Old Acadia

Following the Peace Treaty of Urtach

3. La Sagouine

Symbol and character of mythical Acadian "Washer Woman" leading a humble life, but also highly inspired and philosophical. (..."and all of this will come to pass"...)

4. Star of the Sea

Ave Maris Stella, popular patriotic song which has inspired early Acadians, as well as the Acadian flag.

5. Church at Grand Pre

An historic monument in Nova Scotia close to where early Acadians were rounded up and later deported.

6. 1755

Critical date and ultimate epitome which links all Acadians past, present and future.

7. The Expulsion

Height of the Acadian conscience which links the exile and the survival of our nation in terms of ultimate test for those who suffered and left "their world", and those who later returned and reastablished themselves.

8. Man of Louisiana Today

It is in this new land that many of the deported Acadians found themselves, and where today flourishes an ideantity renewal. 

9. The Fishery

Important component of the economy and life of today's Acadians, as well as an important link with the past. Bona Arsenault has suggested that Acadians returning from the expulsion became fisherman in order that, contrary to the lands which ahd been taken from them in the past, it would never be possible in the future to take away the seawhich had since become their livelihood.

10. Education

Important component of today's and tomorrow's Acadian society, especially with the universities and colleges which ensure the miracle of the Acadians' survival.

11. Retrouvailles 1994

Point of new beggining for everyone, symbolizing the second coming of the Acadians to their former "chez-eux".

12. Partons le Mer est Belle

Popular Acadian song symbolizing today's departure towards new lands and adventures for Acadians, showing a boat which is a universal symbol of "hope".