Language Member of one Ateker speak one language or distinct languages which developed from one common language. Laws and customs Each Ateker has distinct laws and customs. The laws and customs of people of one Ateker are similar. Lifestyle Members of each Ateker live their lives in a similar lifestyle. Diversified groups within one Ateker usually have traces of laws and customs that can be traced to the original group. Land Land is one characteristic that helps in determining membership in an Ateker. Members of one Ateker usually occupy adjoining areas. Land adjudication forms the basis for laws and customs. In the Turkana Ateker, land is subdivided into regions or territorial sections, ŋiTela. Each Ekitela institutes its own common laws which are derived from the general laws of the whole nation or kingdom. Religion Religious beliefs of one Ateker are similar. The supreme deity worshiped has one common name. Common ancestry Members of one Ateker have a common ancestral origin. Members of Ateker have different ancestral origin. within the Ateker sub divisions of the Turkana/Ngiturukana and the Karimojong/Ngikarimojong, the Karimojong/ngikarimojong subscribe to Nakadanya which is believed to be the holly ground for Ngimatheniko/Ngikori (Moroto District), Ngipian/Ngimuriai (nabilatuk and Nakapiripirit Districts), Ngibokora (Napak District) and the Dodoth/ngikaleeso of Kaabong and Karenga Districts. the Turkana/Ngiturkana of Nrthwestern Kenya are subscribed to Moru-anayiece as their holly and Ancestral ground. However, they speak related languages and can hear eah other. Ateker laws Among members of the Turkana-Karimojong Ateker, it is prohibited to kill members of the same Ateker. Killing members of the same Ateker is like killing one's own brother. Other laws govern marriage (akuuta). On marriage, one is not allowed to marry front the same Ateker. Marriage also unites the "Ngatekerin( plural of Ateker). Divorce (elakit or akilak) is also handled by the Ateker and before divorce is accepted, the different parties from both Ngatekerin try to resolve the problem. Other laws govern grazing (achok or akitwar) lands, which elders precise over ceremonies (Akiriket) like rain making, peace, annual livestock blessings (Akero) etc. References Ethnic groups in Uganda Ethnic groups in Kenya