Kashya Pomo

Long before the Russians came to Fort Ross, approximately 9,800 years before, the Kashaya Pomo lived in the area of Fort Ross. The name of the Native Californian tribe means "the nimble people." The Pomo didn't call Fort Ross Fort Ross, they called it Mettini. They made all sorts of crafts ranging from baskets to knives.Their basketry was known to be the finest in the world. In many ways, they had a very rich life. They had lots of food to eat: fish, berries, abalone, acorns, etc. They also lived with great respect of the land. They believed that there were spirits in all living creatures and plants and that they should only use what they needed.

Why did the Pomo let the Russians, who they called the "undersea people," on their land? Well, they heard that Spanish missions were going up along the Californian Coast and didn't want one on their land. The Russians promised to keep the Spaniards away and so the Pomo let them use their land.

Kashaya Pomo Huts Made of redwood

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