The basics
Quick facts
Intro
African woman
Gender:
Female
Death:
1625
The details
Biography
Introduction
Cattelena (died 1625) was an African woman who lived in Almondsbury, Tudor England.
Biography
Cattelena is primarily known from her posthumous inventory dated 1625. Her Hispanic name suggests origins connected to Spanish or Portuguese territories. The term "independent singlewoman" from her inventory indicates she was self-reliant, similar to about 30 percent of Tudor women.
Cattelena's livelihood seemingly derived from her most valuable possession, a cow, suggesting she traded surplus dairy products. Despite this, her means were modest, as evidenced by her shared accommodation and the humble belongings listed in her inventory.