The clan of the sultan, the Oroguk, claim to be descended from the prophet Mohammed and to originate in Iraq. The rest of the Tama clans claim origins in Yemen, settling in the vicinity of Nyere (a sacred mountain located between Guereda and Am Zoer.)

Most Tama are sedentary and cultivate small fields, mainly millet but some sorghum, peanuts and beans. Some own mango or guava trees or cultivate gardens of tomatoes, onions and garlic. Some have cattle, sheep and goats. In the past the Tama had many camels and cattle. As another people group has moved into the Tama region, the Tama have abandoned raising camels due to the risk of being killed for them by this neighboring tribe.  Some have a rainy season hut close to their fields, another hut in or near their garden, and a hut in their village or a house in town. Often the men travel with their animals to find grass during part of the year. Village houses and fences are built with straw or grass, while mud brick constructions home are only found in towns. Extreme poverty and lack of hope means that alcohol (millet beer) is a big problem for many Tama. Farming is at a subsistence level with all hoeing, weeding and harvesting done by hand. There is rarely enough surplus to last a second year if the rains do not come. If the rains don't come, people are forced to move away.

The majority of Tama men have lived an average of 4-5 years outside of their traditional region, while women often don't go further afield than their nearest big market, unless they become refugees in times of drought or war.

The Tama have been virtually all Muslim since the 1600s. As is usual in Chad this religion is mixed with animistic practices such as amulets for protection against evil spirits. However, in the last few years, there have been a handful of Tama who have come to faith in Christ.