Lagos: Book reveals the presence of women on ships of maritime expansion in the 15th to 17th centuries

The work, highlights historian Maria de Deus Beites Manso who signs the preface, is «a reference for all those interested in the history of expansion, the history of women and the understanding of the multiple facets of the maritime experience», referring to it as a «detailed study of the women who, regardless of the circumstances, sailed on Portuguese ships», during that chronological period.

“A presence so often made invisible”, about which the author “questions established narratives and offers a renewed perspective on the dynamics of gender in the maritime context of the time”, highlights Beites Meires.

The historian points out that this book, «more than a contribution to Portuguese maritime expansion», is «an example of how the study of History can and should be an exercise in inclusion, broadening the horizons of research to include those who, for too long, have been silenced».

The female presence on the vessels was proportionally small but, warns Mariana Caldeira Gonçalves, “the smaller number of references does not necessarily indicate that their presence was not common”.

«The documentation points out several times that female boarding was a common phenomenon, especially complaints from priests painting a chaotic scene of pure debauchery, due to the high number of women on board».

The passengers “were both European and African, American and Asian”, “on a hierarchical scale that varied from slaves to honorable ladies” who traveled voluntarily and involuntarily.

The reasons why they embarked were diverse, “emphasizing economic interest, Christian mission and conduct, sexual impulse, exile, political instrumentalization, rescues, methods of preserving the family nucleus and colonization and settlement strategies”.

Africa was the “least desired” destination for women on board, “with America and Asia being the continents to which they most commonly traveled”.

As for non-European women, “several cases have been recorded that point to the circulation and movement of large numbers of women within the Portuguese imperial network, particularly on the Asian continent”.

Referring to the coexistence between genders on the high seas, Mariana Caldeira Gonçalves states that “the mental frameworks prevailing in Portugal were generally transposed to the microcosm that was the ship”, which was “a reflection of society in the kingdom, although with fluctuating and sometimes dichotomous levels of intensity ”. However, the impositions and guidelines of Portuguese legislation “were felt on board”.

“The hierarchy of the vessel was well established and had to be absolutely respected”, similar to what happened on the mainland.

Beites Manso states that the author “demonstrates a mastery of sources and an analytical capacity that make this research especially relevant.”

«The author's careful reading of travel reports and administrative records allows her to explore the power dynamics, tensions on board and female survival strategies in predominantly male environments».

Mariana Caldeira Gonçalves was born in Lagos in 2000. She holds a Master’s degree in History from the University of Évora, specializing in Social History. She is a researcher in the field of women’s history. Beites Manso states that the author “showed a commitment to historical research from an early age.”

“His academic career has been marked by a remarkable work ethic, a constant search for critical depth and a desire to contribute to new readings of historical themes,” says Beites Manso.

The work «Women on Board!», published by Parsifal , will be presented by Maria de Deus Beites Manso on the 19th, at 4 pm, at the Júlio Dantas Municipal Library, in Lagos, with the presence of the author.