Note 28 — Chapter VI · THE INTERPRETATION OF ANDAMANESE CUSTOMS AND BELIEFS: MYTHS AND LEGENDS

Applying the strict method outlined above, we may begin by noting that there is complete unanimity in regard to the connection of Biliku and Tarai with the N.E. and the S.W. respectively, and therefore with the monsoons. No interpretation of the myth can be adequate unless it sets out from this fact. The connection is so firmly fixed that it appears in the names of the winds themselves28. Even in this matter of the winds, however, there is a slight difference in the detail of the beliefs in different tribes. In the North Andaman it would seem that only the two principal winds are recognized; the S.W. wind (more accurately W.S.W.) is called “the Tarai wind” (not, be it noted, “the wind of Tarai”); the N.E. (or more accurately N.N.E.) wind is called “the Biliku wind.” These two winds are by far the most important, as the former blows steadily throughout the rainy season and the latter blows with almost equal steadiness throughout a good part of the cool and hot seasons. In the Aka-Bea and Akar-Bale tribes the general belief seems to be precisely the same as in the North Andaman. Only the two principal winds are considered to be of importance and one is associated with Deria and the other with Puluga. In these two tribes, as in the North Andaman, practically no notice is taken of the existence of winds from other quarters. In the A-Pučikwar tribe there is a notable difference, of great importance to the true interpretation of the legend. There is a dual division of the winds; the S.W. wind is called Teria; the other winds (of which a number are recognized) are all called Bilik. Thus Bilik is a generic name for a number of winds, namely for all the northerly or easterly winds, including not only the N.E., but also the N.W. and S.E. winds. The S.W. wind is called by a simple name, Teria, or as it would be better rendered in English “the Teria.” The other winds are called by compound names such as Me̱tepur Bilik, Ko̱ičo Bilik, etc., which we can only translate as “the N.E. Bilik,” “the East Bilik,” etc.