Ceremonies of the Pomo Indians

"Ceremonies of the Pomo Indians" by S. A. Barrett is a detailed exploration of the Pomo Indians' cultural and spiritual life in the early 1900s. Barrett's study captures the fading ceremonial traditions of this Northern California Indigenous group, focusing on key events like the Ghost and Guksu ceremonies. He outlines how these rituals brought people together and the roles different members played in preserving their culture. Instead of priests, village leaders, singers, and fire-keepers were in charge, making sure the ceremonies honored their traditions. The book sets a tone of both looking back at old ways and documenting a culture that was quickly changing. Barrett's research is based on his time living with the Pomo, where he learned from the elders about the meaning behind their practices.