Shiegho, California facts for kids
Shiegho (also known as Seacos or Si-a-ko) was a small village or settlement of the Pomo people. It was located in Mendocino County, California, somewhere near the town of Hopland. Today, its exact location is not known.
Contents
What Was Shiegho?
Shiegho was a place where a group of Pomo people lived long ago. It was described by a historian named Stephen Powers as a "very small tribe or village." This means it might have been a small community or a part of a larger Pomo group.
Why Is Its Location Unknown?
Many ancient villages and settlements, like Shiegho, do not have their exact locations known today. This can be for many reasons:
- Over time, nature can reclaim the land.
- Buildings were often made from natural materials that do not last.
- Records from long ago might be incomplete or lost.
- Sometimes, the people moved their villages.
What Does "Former Settlement" Mean?
When we say Shiegho was a "former settlement," it means it was once a place where people lived, but they no longer do. This can happen for many reasons, such as:
- People moving to new areas.
- Changes in the environment.
- Historical events that led to people leaving their homes.
Who Were the Pomo People?
The Pomo people are a group of Native Americans who have lived in the Northern California area for thousands of years. Their traditional lands are mostly in what is now Sonoma County, Mendocino County, and Lake County. They are known for their rich culture and skills.
Pomo Culture and Life
The Pomo people were very skilled at living off the land. They were known for:
- Basket Weaving: They made some of the most beautiful and detailed baskets in the world. These baskets were used for many things, like carrying food, cooking, and ceremonies.
- Fishing and Hunting: They fished in rivers and lakes and hunted animals like deer and elk.
- Gathering Food: They gathered many plants, including acorns, which were a very important food source. Acorns were ground into flour to make bread.
- Homes: Pomo people often lived in homes made from natural materials like redwood bark or tule reeds.
Pomo Villages and Communities
Pomo people lived in many different villages across their lands. Each village was a community with its own leaders and traditions. These villages were often located near rivers, lakes, or the coast, which provided important resources. Shiegho was one of these many Pomo settlements.
