MONO

also called Monachi either of two Indian groups of central California, U.S., that speak a language belonging to the Numic group of the Uto-Aztecan family and are related to Northern Paiute (see Paiute). The Western Mono, who reside in the pine belt of the Sierra Nevada, have a culture similar to that of the nearby Yokuts (q.v.). The eastern branch of the Monoalong with the Indians of Owens Valley across the crest, locally called Paiuteare more similar to their neighbours of the Great Basin. The two divisions historically traded with each other, the Eastern Mono giving salt, pion nuts, baskets, and poison in return for acorn flour, baskets, and canes for arrows. Their traditional social organization was simple, consisting of small villages or permanent hamlets of up to 50 or 75 people, organized in patrilineal families and ranging over vaguely defined hunting areas. Although the power of the chief was far from absolute, his consent was required for all major religious or warlike undertakings; his greatest responsibilities were the settlement of disputes and the sanctioning of punishment.