Religious Activities:
- Conversion: Native American men were often encouraged to convert to Christianity and participate in religious rituals, ceremonies, and prayers.
Agricultural Work:
- Farming: Many Native American men worked in the mission fields, assisting with planting, harvesting, and tending crops.
- Livestock Care: They may have been involved in caring for livestock such as cattle, sheep, and horses.
Construction and Maintenance:
- Building: Native American men contributed to the construction and maintenance of mission buildings, including churches, living quarters, and workshops.
- Infrastructure: They may have helped build roads, bridges, and irrigation systems.
Artisanal Work:
- Craftsmanship: Native American men skilled in traditional crafts might produce items such as pottery, textiles, and jewelry for the mission's use or for trade.
Labor:
- General Labor: Some men performed various manual labor tasks, including carrying goods, cleaning, and maintaining mission grounds.
Education and Training:
- Learning: Depending on the mission's policies, some men might have had opportunities to receive basic education and vocational training.
Defense:
- Protection: In certain cases, Native American men may have assisted in defending the mission against potential attacks or raids.
Administrative Roles:
- Leadership: In some missions, Native American men may have held positions of leadership, such as mayordomos (overseers) or alcaldes (judges), as part of the mission's internal governance structure.
It is important to note that the experiences of Native American men at Spanish missions varied significantly due to factors such as tribal affiliations, mission policies, and interactions with the missionaries. These roles were often influenced by the goals of the mission and the relationships between Native American communities and the Spanish authorities.