Abstract

POVEA MORENO, Isabel M.. Widows, Guardians, and Mining. The Experience of Josefa Gertrudis Nieto Téllez-Girón in San Luis Potosí, Second Half of the 18th Century. Estud. hist. mod. contemp. Mex [online]. 2025, n.spe3, pp.50-79.  Epub May 13, 2025. ISSN 0185-2620.  https://doi.org/10.22201/iih.24485004e.2025.1e.77964.

The aim of this work is to analyze the participation of women in mining in New Spain, focusing in the areas of ownership and management. To this end, a case study is conducted on Josefa Gertrudis Nieto in San Luis Potosí during the second half of the 18th century, using as primary source the legal proceedings of the creditor contest in which she was involved. Her experience is also compared with that of other female mine owners to establish connections between her individual trajectory and the mining, legal, and social context of the time. The central argument is that women were not merely limited to inheriting and transferring properties but also took on active roles as managers of mining businesses. This study highlights their role, as well as their functions as guardians and caretakers of their children, and the inherent difficulties they faced in engaging in activity characterized by uncertainty and considerable investment risks.

Keywords : gender; widowhood; guardianship and curatorship; litigation; mining.

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