According to literature, the Tiruray share a common legendary ancestry with the Maguindanao. They are said to be related to the Muslim Maguindanao. The Tirurays live in the district of Dinaig, south of the Cotabato River in southwestern Mindanao. They are divided into coastal, river and mountain groups. Coastal or lowland Tirurays have close contact with the Maguindanao Muslims and the "Christian" population. Many of them are modernized and have adopted them neighbors' culture. However, Tirurays who live in the mountains have remained to live in the traditional way.
Some of the Tiruray have moved to other areas. In 1974, Tiruray settlements were reported in Davao del Norte. Even if there is much influence from other cultures, they are able to maintain a distinct culture of their own, characterized by communal households, polygamy, and an indigenous moral-legal system.