jakokirjan

A jakokirja, or "division book" in English, is a historical type of ledger or register used in Finland. These books were primarily employed by Finnish municipalities and parishes to record details of land divisions, inheritances, and property transactions. They served as official documents that outlined how land was divided among heirs, sold, or otherwise transferred.

The information contained within a jakokirja could be extensive, often including names of individuals involved, descriptions of the property, dates of transactions, and the legal basis for the division. They were crucial for establishing clear ownership and rights related to real estate. For genealogists and historical researchers, jakokirjat can provide valuable insights into family histories, property ownership patterns, and the economic and social structures of past Finnish communities. Their existence and content reflect the importance placed on accurate record-keeping for land and inheritance matters in Finnish administrative and legal traditions.