Society and culture
The lands of the Pomo were rich with natural resources. The tribe fished and also hunted deer, birds, and small animals. They gathered and ate many types of wild plants, including bulbs, seeds, and acorns.
The Pomo built several types of houses. Those along the Pacific coast lived in cone-shaped dwellings made from the wood and bark of the redwood tree. Those further inland lived in larger rectangular houses built from poles, brush, and grass.
In the summer Pomo from several villages came together for an annual celebration. For days they feasted, danced, and visited with friends and relatives. The Pomo also often gathered to perform religious ceremonies and trade with one another. From the mineral magnesite they made beads that were used as money in trade.
The Pomo were among the best Native American basket makers. Both women and men did the work. They wove grasses and weeds to make a wide variety of containers, trays, hats, and mats. The Pomo sometimes decorated their baskets with beads and dyed feathers.
History
The Pomo may have been visited in 1542 by the Spanish explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. For hundreds of years afterward they were not much affected by Europeans. In 1811 or 1812 Russian fur traders established Fort Ross in Pomo territory. Armed with guns, the Russians forced many Pomo men to hunt sea animals and give them the animals' furs.
A few years later Spanish priests built Mission San Rafael. They recruited some Pomo to live and work at the mission. The Pomo were often treated harshly by the Spanish and Mexicans. In addition, many died from European diseases such as smallpox.
California became part of the United States in 1848. In the same year gold was discovered there. Thousands of U.S. settlers and miners rushed to the area, taking Pomo lands. Many Pomo were killed by the newcomers. Others were kidnapped and forced to work in mines as slaves.
About 5,000 Pomo lived in the United States at the end of the 20th century. Many live in some 20 Pomo communities scattered throughout their original territory.