The Dyula live in clans, and the clan is the most important aspect of their lives. The people are fiercely loyal to their clans, defending them proudly. They express their history and devotion through the oral traditions of dance and storytelling. Men and women live in separate houses made of mud or cement the men in round houses and the women in rectangular ones. The father is the head of the family and inheritances are passed down from fathers to their sons.
Older males possess the most power and influence.
Girls usually marry at age 16. Therefore, the Dyula have great respect for the elderly, especially if a man is an Islamic scholar. The Dyula began settling in towns during the 1500's. The social reforms of 1965 eliminated much of the authority that had previously belonged to family and village leaders. In addition to being successful merchants and businessmen, the Dyula are excellent craftsmen who create beautiful pottery and cloth for export.