Maria del Tránsito Sorroza (fl. 1646) was an

Afro-Ecuadorian Afro-Ecuadorians (), also known as Black Ecuadorians (), are Ecuadorians of predominantly Sub-Saharan African descent. History and background Most Afro-Ecuadorians are the descendants of enslaved Africans who were transported by predominantly B ...

woman who obtained her emancipation from

slavery Slavery is the ownership of a person as property, especially in regards to their labour. Slavery typically involves compulsory work, with the slave's location of work and residence dictated by the party that holds them in bondage. Enslavemen ...

due to her skill as a

midwife A midwife (: midwives) is a health professional who cares for mothers and Infant, newborns around childbirth, a specialisation known as midwifery. The education and training for a midwife concentrates extensively on the care of women throughou ...

. She became known by the nickname "Hands of Silk".

Biography

Tránsito Sorroza was a woman of African descent, who lived in

Guayaquil Guayaquil (), officially Santiago de Guayaquil, is the largest city in Ecuador and also the nation's economic capital and main port. The city is the capital (political), capital of Guayas Province and the seat of Guayaquil Canton. The city is ...

during the seventeenth century. She dedicated herself to the role of midwife and such was her ability that was given the nickname "Hands of Silk". In recognition of her contribution to the society of the time, she was granted emancipation in 1646. She also brought up several young black women who were born illegitimate.

Legacy

The doctor and philanthropist

Ignacio Hurtado de López Ignacio is a male Spanish name originating in the Latin name "Ignatius" from ''ignis'' "fire". This was the name of several saints, including the third bishop of Antioch (who was thrown to wild beasts by emperor Trajan) and Saint Ignatius of Loy ...

used his own money to build the Nuestra Señora de Tránsito Hospital in Guayaquil in honour of María del Tránsito Sorroza. In 2017 her life featured in the exhibition ''Mujeres de Guayaquil, siglo XVI al XX.''

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Sorroza, María del Tránsito Freedmen Year of birth unknown Year of death unknown African diaspora in Ecuador Midwives Ecuadorian women 17th-century African people Ecuadorian slaves 17th-century slaves