They are believed to have begun immigrating to their present location in the eighteenth century, and the migration took place in several stages, or waves. In Côte d'Ivoire, the Tchaman are traditionally divided into nine distinct kinship groups, or phratries (goto in the Tchaman/Kyaman/Gyaman language): Kwè, Bidjan, Yopougon, Nonkwa, Songon, Bodo, Dyapo, Bya and Gnangon.
They are thought to have started moving to their current location in the eighteenth century, and the migration occurred in several phases or stages. In Côte d'Ivoire, the Tchaman are typically grouped into nine distinct kinship units or clans: Kwè, Bidjan, Yopougon, Nonkwa, Songon, Bodo, Dyapo, Bya, and Gnangon.