Abomey, Zou Department, Benin — West Africa

IFAN

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 13, 2023

1. IFAN Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

IFAN
A sa création en 1944, le Musee Historique d’Abomey était placé sous la direction de l'Institut Francais d’Afrique Noire (IFAN). Ceci constituait la mémoire des colonies et publiait plusieurs bulletins d'information sur elles. ses employes français avaient œuvré pour l'exportation de beaucoup d'objets précieux des musées africains qui sont aujourd'hui exposés en Europe. Pour ce qui concerne Abomey, il s'agit principalement du trone d'Adandozan (1797-1818), de l'effigie de Gou (Dieu du fer), et de la récade Behanzin (1889-1894). Les deux bâtiments en briquettes stabilisées de cette maison furent construits respectivement en 1948 et 1951 pour servir de residence du directeur régional de l'IFAN et de direction du musee d'Abomey. Ils immortalisent les derniers styles de l'architecture des Français qui vivaient dans la colonie du Dahomey.

English translation
IFAN
When it was created in 1944, the Historical Museum of Abomey was placed under the direction of the Institut Français d'Afrique Noire (IFAN, French Institute of Black Africa). This was dedicated to colonial history and published several newsletters

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about them. Its French employees had worked for the export of many precious objects from African museums that are now on display in Europe. As far as Abomey is concerned, these were mainly the throne of Adandozan (1797-1818), the effigy of Gou (God of Iron), and the warrior staff of Behanzin (1889-1894). The two stabilized brick buildings of this house were built in 1948 and 1951 respectively to serve as the residence of the Regional Director of IFAN and the Direction of the Abomey Museum. They immortalize the last styles of architecture of the French who lived in the colony of Dahomey.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.

Location. 7° 11.365′ N, 1° 59.809′ E. Marker is in Abomey, Zou Department. It is on Rue du Palais Royal north of Route N21, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Africa,

Sub-Saharan Africa,

and specifically West Africa.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a French colony.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 13, 2023

2. IFAN Marker

within 10 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Palace of King Guezo (approx. 0.4 kilometers away); Palace of King Agonglo (approx. half a kilometer away); Palace of King Glele (approx. half a kilometer away); Gbehanzin, King of Danxome (approx. 1.3 kilometers away); Les Abris Souterrains du Plateau d'Abomey (approx. 9.7 kilometers away).

Also see . . . IFAN at Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 1, 2023.)

A traditional building near the IFAN site and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. Makali Bruton, September 13, 2023

3. A traditional building near the IFAN site and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on March 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2023, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 219 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 1, 2023, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia.