Domestic Work:
* Cooking and Baking: Women were responsible for preparing meals for the large populations of the missions, including the priests, workers, and Native American converts. This involved tasks like grinding grain, baking bread, and preparing stews and other dishes.
* Cleaning and Laundry: Maintaining the cleanliness of the mission buildings and grounds was a major part of women's work. They were tasked with sweeping floors, washing clothes, and keeping the living spaces tidy.
* Childcare: Women often cared for children, both those of the mission workers and the children of Native American converts. This involved tasks like breastfeeding, bathing, feeding, and teaching basic skills.
Agricultural Labor:
* Gardening and Farming: Women worked alongside men in cultivating the mission's fields and gardens. They planted, weeded, harvested crops, and prepared food for preservation.
* Animal Husbandry: Women assisted in raising livestock, including tending to sheep, goats, and cattle. This involved tasks like milking, shearing, and feeding animals.
* Weaving and Sewing: Women were responsible for creating textiles and clothing for the mission community. They used wool from sheep and other materials to weave blankets, clothing, and other household items.
Other Responsibilities:
* Religious Duties: Women participated in daily prayers and religious services, often taking on roles like singing in the choir.
* Education and Training: Women were sometimes involved in educating and training younger girls, teaching them domestic skills and religious doctrine.
* Community Support: Women played crucial roles in providing support and care to the sick and elderly, both within the mission and in the surrounding communities.
Important Considerations:
* Forced Labor: It's important to note that women were often subjected to forced labor in the missions. They had little control over their lives and were expected to work tirelessly for the benefit of the mission and the Spanish government.
* Cultural Differences: The experiences of women on the missions varied based on their individual circumstances and the cultural backgrounds of the Native American groups they were brought into contact with.
While women's roles on the missions were crucial to the daily functioning of these institutions, they were also often characterized by oppression and a lack of agency.