Distributor: U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Producer: U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Audience: HCA
Series: American Indian series
Synopsis: Shows how the acorn from the tan oak, called Chishkale by the Southwestern Pomo, influenced the total way of life of Central California Indians. Points out that the discovery of a technique to remove poisonous tannic acid by leaching the ground meal made it possible for an entire food economy to be based upon the acorn. Reconstructs from oral traditions and memories of present-day Indians the cooking methods and processing techniques used in making acorn bread.
Title Dream Dances of the Kashia Pomo (GC1278)
Physical Color; sound
Copyrighted 1964 Length 30 minutes
Distributor U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Producer U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Audience HCA
Synopsis Presents the dances of the Bole-Maru which have served to preserve the cultural identity of the Kashia Pomo Indians. Demonstrates such dances as Chosho Weya Koo (hand power dance), Kamoto Philili Koo (star hoop dance), Ayayo Kata Koo (marriage dance), and Hodobiy Wantera Koo (flag dance). Shows all dances in authentic ceremonial dress.
Distributor: U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Producer: U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Audience: HCA
Synopsis: Illustrates characteristic dances of the California Indians, with particular emphasis on the Kashia Pomo. Shows and explains four of their major dances-Toto, Lehuye, Bighead and the Ball Dance. Provides a rare insight into the past by presenting these ethnic dances in an authentic dance house, pointing out that dancing was the most important part of their religious ceremonies.
Title: Pomo Shaman (CB2895)
Physical: Black and White/Monochrome; sound
Copyrighted: 1964
Length: 22 minutes
Distributor: U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Producer: U of Calif Extension Media Center (UCEMC)
Audience: HCA
Synopsis: Demonstrates the curing technique derived by the Kashia group of the Southwestern Pomo Indians which involves hand trembling, trance behavior, and music. Shows Essie Parish, the only Southwestern Pomo "sucking doctor" still practicing this ancient form of doctoring, in a state of possession as she prays and chants while drawing the undesirable forces from the patient's body. Depicts her hands as a point of healing power and the use of two bamboo canes, decorated with dream designs and haliotis ornaments, that also have special powers for the shaman.
BOOKS
Title: Kashaya Text
Writers: Robert L. Oswald
Copyright: Universty of California Publications in Linguistics
Publisher: 1964 University of California Press Berkeley and Los Angeles
Synopsis: A collection of every traditional story, myth, tale of the supernatural, and folk history known to the two main informants Essie Parrish and Herman James.
Title: Kashaya Pomo Plants
Authors: Jennie Goodrich, Claudia Lawson, Vana Parrish Lawson
Trade paper, 176 pages (6 x 9), with b&w illustrations, indices, glossary
Publisjer: Heyday Books
P.O. Box 9145
Berkeley, CA 94709 USA
Based on the teachings of renowned Kashaya Pomo spiritual leader Essie Parrish, her husband Sidney Parrish, and elder Susie Gomes, this book describes 150 common plants of coastal California that have been an important part of Pomo Indian life for hundreds of years. Along with a scientifically accurate description, each entry describes the plant's traditional uses, such as food, medicine, basketry fiber, and building material.
The result of long-term collaboration between native and non-native scholars, Kashaya Pomo Plants is a valuable reference for anyone interested in native plants. It also provides a much-needed introduction to the deep botanical knowledge of a people who have lived on intimate terms with these plants for thousands of years.
