North American Indian people living in northern California, U.S. The name Pomo, which may have been derived from the name of a village, was given to seven distinct Hokan-speaking peoples who inhabited the Russian River valley.
Fish, waterfowl, deer, and wild plant foods were plentiful in this region. Coastal Pomo constructed dwellings of heavy timber and bark; inland Pomo used poles, brush, and grass. Pomo religion involved secret societies , dances, rituals, and impersonations of spirits. Pomo basketry is often considered among the finest in the world. About 3,000 Pomo live in some 20 communities within their original territory.