 Traditionally, the Haya are a patrilineal society structured around a clan system ("oluganda") with a common totem ("omuziro") that all members collectively identify with.Totems are typically an animal, and each clan has proscriptions such as not eating their totem or causing it harm.Haya who continue to practice this tradition believe that anyone who harms or consumes their totem will bring affliction to themselves as well as their family.