Benin Compiled Genealogies

Benin

Oral Genealogies
Research use: Very useful supplement to civil and church records; often the only source of family information available for native Africans.

Record type: Tribal and family histories, pedigrees, etc. covering many Beninese not in the civil registration, church or census records, etc.

Time period: 1700 to present.

Contents: Family pedigrees.

Location: Transcribed genealogies may be found at the National Archives in Porto Novo and district archives. Those not transcribed will be scattered throughout the country.

Population coverage: May cover up to 50%.

Genealogies and Family Histories
Research use: Provide the results of previous research such as pedigree lineage information and may lead to the original sources of documentation. Often provide information from record types, areas, and time periods where we have not yet been able to acquire the original records.

Record type: Compiled genealogies, organized collections of lineage data, family histories, pedigrees, family and community genealogies, whether manuscript or published.

Time period: Varies.

Contents: Names of individuals; dates and places of birth, marriage, and death; names of parents and children. Many include histories and illustrations of ancestors and ancestral homes. Community genealogies list families of a specific place. May provide source citations or copies of documents. Many are indexed.

Location: Varies; public and private libraries, archives, and other repositories.