Pomo Indians

The Pomo Indians, initially classified within the distinct linguistic stock of Kulanapan, are now recognized as belonging to the more widely dispersed Hokan family. This reclassification reflects a deeper understanding of the complex linguistic relationships among Native American groups in California.

Origin of the Name

The name "Pomo" originates from the native suffix "-pomo" or "-poma," which was appended to the names of villages or local groups. The precise meaning of this suffix remains unknown, adding a layer of mystery to the Pomo Indians‘ identity.

Pomo Location

The traditional territory of the Pomo Indians encompassed a significant portion of the Pacific Coast of Northern California. Their domain stretched from Cleone in the north to Duncan’s Point in the south. It extended inland, albeit with some interruptions, reaching as far as Clear Lake. Additionally, a geographically separated group resided on Stony Creek, indicating a broader historical presence. This diverse geographical range influenced the distinct cultural and linguistic variations among the different Pomo groups.

Pomo Subdivisions

The Pomo Indians were not a single, monolithic entity but rather a collection of distinct groups, each characterized by its own dialect and territory. These subdivisions reflected the diverse geographical landscape and the localized nature of Pomo society. The main dialectical groups were:

• Northeastern Pomo
• Eastern Pomo
• Southeastern Pomo
• Northern Pomo
• Central Pomo
• Southern Pomo (also known as Gallinomero)
• Southwestern or Gualala Pomo

These divisions, while primarily based on linguistic differences, also represented distinct cultural and social identities. Larger divisions than individual villages were also recognized by the Pomo people themselves, though their exact nature remains somewhat indefinite.

Pomo Village Communities

The Pomo society was structured around village communities, each with its own distinct identity and territory. These villages were often located near important resources such as water sources, hunting grounds, and gathering sites. The following provides a more detailed look at the specific village locations of each Pomo group:

Northeastern Pomo:

• Bakamtati: Located at Stony Ford.
• Cheetido: Situated at a salt deposit.
• Turururaibida: Found above the forks of Stony Creek. (The status of the last two villages is somewhat uncertain.)

Eastern Pomo:

• Bidamiwina, Nonapotl, and Shabegok: These three places were, at different times, the centers of a community known as Habe-napo, or "rock people," around Kelseyville. This suggests a fluidity in village centers within the community.
• Danoha: Located some miles up an eastern affluent of lower Scott Creek.
  • Connected to Badonnapoti on Bloody Island in Upper Lake off the mouth of Scott Creek and Behepel or Gabehe between the two. This highlights the interconnectedness of villages within a region.
• Howalek: On Middle Creek near Upper Lake town.
• Kashibadon: At Lakeport, on the west side of the lake.
• Shigom: On the east side of main Clear Lake.
• Yobutui: On the opposite side of lower Scott Creek from the Northern Pomo village of Mayi.

Southeastern Pomo:

• Elem: On Rattlesnake or Sulphur Bank Island in the bay known as East Lake.
• Kamdot or Lemakma: On Buckingham Island near the entrance to Lower Lake.
• Koi, Hoyi, Shutauyomanok, or Kaubokolai: On an island near the outlet of the lake.

Northern Pomo:

• Bakau: At Little Lake north of Willits.
• Buldam: At the mouth of Big River.
• Chomchadila: On the West Fork near Calpella.
• Chauishak: Near Willits.
• Dapishu or Kachabida: In Redwood Canyon.
• Kachake: On Mill Creek, separate position uncertain.
• Kadiu: At the mouth of Noyo River.
• Kalaili: At the mouth of Little River.
• Katuli: Above Navarro River at Christine.
• Komli: At Ukiah.
• Kulakai: At a lake south of Sherwood.
• Lemkolil: On Anderson Creek near Boonville.
• Masut or Shiyol: On the West Fork of Russian River near the mouth of Seward Creek.
• Mato: Northwest of Sherwood.
• Mayi: On Scott Creek near Tule Lake, not far from the town of Upper Lake.
• Nabo or Nato: Near Willits.
• Naboral: On Scott Creek northwest of Lakeport.
• Pomo: In Potter Valley downstream from Sedam.
• Shabakana, Bitadanek, and Kobida: Three sites successively inhabited by one group, whose home was on Forsythe Creek. This illustrates the potential for village relocation over time.
• Sedam: In Potter Valley downstream from Shanel.
• Shachamkau, Chamkawi or Bomaa: Downstream?, in Coyote Valley.
• Shanekai: In a small elevated valley between the heads of an affluent of southern Eel River and a tributary of Middle Creek which drains into the head of Clear Lake.
• Shanel or Seel or Botel: At the north end of Potter Valley on the East Fork of Russian River.
• Shotsiu: East of Willits.
• Tabate: Below Philo on Navarro River.
• Tsakamo: On Russian River at the mouth of Cold Creek.
• Tsamomda: West of Willits.
• Tsiyakabeyo: On a tributary of Middle Creek which drains into the head of Clear Lake, probably only a part of Shanekai.
• Chaida, Chulgo, and Huda: Three sites on the North Fork of Navarro River, which may have constituted a community.

Central Pomo:

• Danokeya: Name uncertain, on Rancheria Creek.
• Kahwalau: Russian River at the mouth of Pieta Creek.
• Kodalau: On Brush Creek.
• Koloko: Russian River at the mouth of Squaw Creek.
• Lachupda: On the upper waters of the North Fork of Gualala River.
• Lema: On McNab Creek a mile or two up from Russian River.
• Pdahau or Icheche: On Lower Garcia River.
• Shanel: Near the mouth of McDowell and Feliz Creeks, in Hopland Valley.
• Shepda: On Russian River at the entry of Wise Creek.
• Shiego: On Russian River at the mouth of McNab Creek.
• Shokadjal: On Russian River in Ukiah Valley.
• Tatem: Downstream from the last and in the same valley.

Southern Pomo or Gallinomero:

• Batiklechawi: At Sebastopol at the head of the slough known as Laguna de Santa Rosa, an important village and probably the head of a district.
• Hiwalhmu: A village and probably the head of a community on the Gualala River drainage.
• Hukabetawi: Near Santa Rosa City and perhaps the head of a community.
• Kalme: A community in the Russian River drainage.
• Kubahmoi: A village and probably the head of a community on the Gualala River drainage.
• Makahmo: On the Russian drainage at the mouth of Sulphur Creek.
• Ossokowi: A village and probably the center of a community on Russian River extending from the mouth of Elk Creek halfway up to Geyserville.
• Shamli: A village on Gualala River drainage, perhaps the head of a community.
• Shawako: On Dry Creek at the mouth of Piiia Creek.
• Wilok: At the head of Santa Rosa Creek.
• Wotokkaton: Head of a community in the vicinity of Healdsburg.

Southwestern or Gualala Pomo:

• Ashachatiu: A village at the mouth of Russian River connected probably with Chalanchawi.
• Chalanchawi: (See Ashachatiu).
• Chiti-bida-kal: North of Timber Cove.
• Danaga: At Stewart’s Point.
• Hibuwi: On the Middle Fork of the Gualala.
• Kowishal: At Black Point.
• Meteni: Perhaps the name of a group at the site of Fort Ross, though another name, Madshuinui is also mentioned.
• Potol: On Haupt and Hopper Creeks, perhaps the center of a group.

This detailed listing of village communities provides a valuable glimpse into the settlement patterns and territorial organization of the Pomo Indians. It demonstrates the intricate network of villages and communities that comprised the Pomo world.

Pomo Population

Estimating the historical population of the Pomo Indians is a challenging task. Kroeber’s estimate for 1770 is approximately 8,000 individuals. However, by 1910, the census recorded only 777 Pomo, although Kroeber suggests the actual number was closer to 1,200. The 1930 census reported 1,143 Pomo individuals. These figures highlight the devastating impact of European contact and colonization on the Pomo population, resulting in significant population decline due to disease, displacement, and violence. The resilience of the Pomo Indians is evident in their continued presence and cultural revitalization efforts today.