Wind Lore as Environmental Knowledge in Southern Vanuatu

Abstract

Wind lore constitutes an important domain of environmental knowledge in eight cultures of southern Vanuatu (Aneityum, Futuna, Aniwa, Nafe, Naka, Netwar, Nanu, and Nahual). Our study reviews previous studies in Oceania which document wind systems as used primarily for long-distance navigation. The named winds of southern Vanuatu are not merely abstract directional markers, nor primarily for use in navigation, but are closely tied to the local geography, agriculture, health, and seasonal changes. Winds are part of everyday, embodied experience and cognitive-spiritual understanding of the environment. Wind lore is gradually being forgotten, but can still be described in detail by experts. We conclude by situating wind lore within a culture complex that includes knowledge of agriculture, fishing, time-reckoning, and weather magic. Our documentation of these systems is ongoing, and in collaboration with local experts.