Oficiales de la pluma y prácticas documentales en la Casa de la Contratación de Indias: su significación como instrumentos de gobierno

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to show an innovative view on the House of Trade as an organism producing documents for the government of America. One of the least known aspects of this institution is its internal functioning relating to the management and elaboration of its documents. In this respect, scribes and officials were essential elements of the House as they were in charge of registering and writing all the official documents and also of keeping the archive in order, among many other functions. Lastly, writing practices and documentary remits of the House will be analysed.

Keywords

• documents
• Diplomatic science
• House of Trade
• scribes
• officials