M’zab is a region in central Algeria distinguished by its two principal cultural dimensions: the first is an affiliation with the Ibadi sect, and the second is Berber. The region’s historical narrative celebrates and focuses on this dual identity in self-definition and in dealing with a dissenting Other. During its passage from one historical stage to another M’zabite society underwent many important transformations that changed its structure and dominant institutions, transforming the references as well through which it establishes itself. This study will attempt to understand the nature of compound relationships in M’zab through a reconstruction of the history of its customary and religious institutions and their interrelationships. It will also try to analyze identity interventions undertaken by the M’zabites themselves and how these interventions operate to supply variable, sophisticated and complex ideological references in structuring M’zabites’ relationship with others. Thus, this research attempts to answer the following questions: What are the institutions regulating the M’zabite community? How did these institutions grow and develop? What is role did they play in the the M’zabite community’s attempts of to preserve its specific cultural and structural distinctiveness? How do developments in these institutions reflect developments in the structure of M’zabite society itself and its value system?