1. Agriculture: Indigenous people formed the backbone of agricultural labor in Spanish colonies. They grew staple crops such as maize, beans, and squash, as well as cash crops like sugar, cotton, and cocoa, which were essential for the colony's economy.
2. Mining: Indigenous workers played a significant role in mining operations, extracting precious metals like gold and silver from mines in present-day Mexico, Peru, and Bolivia. Working in hazardous conditions, they were forced to toil in mines regardless of their health or safety.
3. Construction: Indians contributed to constructing buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects. Their skills in masonry, carpentry, and stonework were employed in constructing churches, government buildings, and private residences.
4. Textile Production: Indigenous women were often engaged in textile production, spinning fibers such as cotton or wool, and weaving them into fabric. They created various textiles and garments, often adorned with beautiful traditional designs and patterns.
5. Transportation: Many indigenous laborers worked as porters or carriers, transporting goods on foot or by other means, connecting different parts of the colony and facilitating trade and commerce.
6. Domestic Service: A number of indigenous people were employed as domestic workers, serving in Spanish households and taking care of various household tasks, from cooking and cleaning to caring for children.
7. Pearl Diving: Indigenous communities also participated in pearl diving, an occupation primarily carried out in regions like Panama and Venezuela. They retrieved pearls from oyster beds, sometimes risking their lives with limited diving equipment.
8. Construction Workers: They carried bricks, built walls, painted, fixed plumbing and everything that can be done in construction.
Throughout the colonial period, indigenous forced labor was crucial for supporting the economic systems established by the Spanish. However, these workers were often subjected to brutal exploitation, and their rights and well-being were largely disregarded.