Bokea, California facts for kids
Bokea, also known as Boch-heaf, was once a village where the Pomo people lived. The Pomo are a group of Native Americans from what is now California. Bokea was located in a place called Rancheria Valley in Mendocino County, California. Today, we don't know exactly where the village used to be.
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Discovering Bokea: A Pomo Village
Bokea was an important settlement for the Pomo people. It is one of many Pomo villages that were recorded by early researchers. Even though its exact spot is a mystery now, it helps us learn about the history of the Pomo in California.
The Pomo People: Native Californians
The Pomo people are a group of Native Americans who have lived in the northern coastal areas of California for thousands of years. They are known for their beautiful basket weaving and their deep connection to the land. They lived in many small, independent villages across their territory.
Exploring Pomo Settlements in California
Many Pomo settlements, including Bokea, were studied and recorded by people interested in Native American cultures. One of these researchers was Stephen Powers, who wrote about the different Native American groups in California in the late 1800s. His work helps us understand where these villages were located and how the Pomo people lived.
The Boch-heaf Band and Other Pomo Groups
The people who lived in Bokea were part of a group known as the Boch-heaf band of Pomo. Another important researcher, George Gibbs, described several Pomo bands living in the area between Hopland and the coast. The Boch-heaf band was one of four main groups he mentioned. The other three bands were:
These different bands often lived in specific areas and had their own unique traditions, even though they shared a common Pomo culture. Learning about these bands helps us see how diverse and organized the Pomo people were.
