Traditional African society was based around tribes, which could include up to 1000 different groups across the continent speaking over 1000 languages. Within tribes, social structure included the nuclear family, extended family, age-set groups, clans, and lineages. Tribes lived communally and placed high importance on traditions like scarification marks, initiation ceremonies, religious beliefs centered around animism and ancestor veneration, and deference to chiefs for governance. While some African nations now practice Islam or Christianity, traditional tribal structures emphasized loyalty to the group over individuals and respect for customs, elders, and ancestors.