Kin Groups and Descent. On the macro level, Ndebele society is structured into approximately eighty patrilineal exogamous clans (izibongo), each subdivided into a variety of subclans or patrilineages (iinanzelo or iikoro). Totems of animals and objects are associated with each clan. The three- to four-generational lineage segment (i aro) is of functional value in daily life (e.g., ritual and religion, socioeconomic reciprocity); it is composed of various residential units (homesteads) (imizi).
Kinship Terminology. Classificatory kinship applies, and with similar terms in every alternate generation—for example, grandfathers and grandsons (obaba omkhulu). Smaller distinctions are drawn between own father (ubaba), father's elder brothers (abasongwane), and his younger brothers (obaba omncane), although all these men on the same generation level may be called ubaba.