Las mujeres vascas y el mar

Until very recently, women have been largely absent from Basque maritime historiography, despite the fact that they are widely mentioned in the source m aterial. Women participated extensively in all aspects of social and economic life related to the sea. Their work in the ports was particularly important, where they acted as porters, bishigueras , picklers, sellers and innkeepers. However, they also played an important role as industrialists, he lping finance the shipbuilding and fishing expediti ons. Religion played a vital role in their lives, helpin g them to endure the loss and loneliness they felt as a result of the prolonged absence of husbands, brothers and sons.