- Ankole society was divided into two distinct classes i.e. Hima and Iru.
- Bahima who were the rulers and pastoralists and Bairu who were the peasants and subject class.
- Marriage between the Bairu and the Bahima was considered a social disgrace and was highly discouraged.
- Religiously, the Banyankole believed in a supreme being called Ruhanga who was thought to be the creator of the world.
- No prayer and sacrifices were offered to Ruhanga because they believe there was no need of bothering him after bringing them into the world.
- Below Ruhanga were other lesser goods e.g. kagoro, kazoba, Omusisi e.t.c to whom prayers and sacrifices were offered.
- The Banyankole highly respected spirits of the dead and sacrifices e.g. beer and milk were offered to them at family shrines.
- Owning cattle was a sign of prestige and those with few cows were always despised.
- The Banyankole were united by a similar culture, Runyankole language and same way of dressing e.g. Omushanana.
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