Somalis are an East Cushitic ethnic group belonging to the Cushitic peoples, native to Greater Somalia who share a common Somali ancestry, culture, and history. Constituting one tribe, they are segmented into various clan groupings, which are important kinship units that play a central part in Somali culture and politics. Clan families are patrilineal and are divided into clans, primary lineages, or subclans. The clan represents the highest level of kinship. It owns territorial properties and is typically led by a clan-head or Sultan.
The traditional political unit among the people of Somalia has been kinships. However. Within the traditional Somali society, there has been social stratification which according to historians comprised of high-ranking clans, low-ranking clans, caste groups, and slaves.
Nobles constituted the upper tier and were known as bills. They consist of individuals of ethnic Somali ancestral origin.