What a Name Represents
What a Name Represents
In Tsm’syen society, a name is not simply a label. A name is a living being, an embodiment of identity, law, history, and responsibility. When a person receives a name, they do not only represent themselves — they represent all those who carried the name before and all those who will carry it in the future.
A Name Is a Living Entity
Under ayaawx, a name is treated as a living presence connected to:
- House histories (adaawx)
- Ancestors
- Territories
- Rights and privileges
- Songs, stories, regalia
A person who takes on a name becomes the embodiment of that name. The ancestors who carried it are honoured through the new holder’s actions.
Names Carry Ancient Authority
A traditional name:
- Confirms identity
- Establishes belonging to a Wilp and clan
- Connects the holder to specific territories
- Grants standing in feasts
- Holds legal weight in disputes and agreements
The name itself is older than the person. The person becomes responsible for protecting the authority of the name.
Names Contain Adaawx (History)
Every name is tied to specific events, stories, migrations, victories, losses, and teachings. When the name is spoken, these histories rise with it.
A name can represent:
- A legendary ancestor
- A spiritual encounter
- A territorial claim
- A major historical event
- A crest privilege
This is why names must be spoken carefully and only in proper settings.
Taking a Name Is Taking Responsibility
When a person takes a name, they accept:
- Duties to their Wilp
- Obligations to maintain good conduct
- Expectations to uphold feast law
- Responsibilities to protect territory
- The burden of representing their ancestors
If they act with honour, the name rises. If they act with disrespect, the name is shamed.
Names Are Witnessed and Confirmed
A name cannot be quietly given. It must be:
- Spoken publicly
- Witnessed by other Wilps
- Paid for through feast distribution
- Confirmed by senior members
Without witnesses, the name has no legal standing in ayaawx.
Names Are Ranked
Not all names hold the same weight. Within a Wilp, names may be:
Senior Names (High-Ranking)
- Connected to chiefs, founders, or central ancestral events
- Grant high authority
- Require strong leadership and flawless conduct
Working/Supporting Names
- Carry responsibilities
- Represent branches of the lineage
- Support the senior names in feast and governance roles
Child & Teaching Names
- Prepare youth for future roles
- Introduce responsibility and belonging
All names are honoured, but senior names carry greater burden.
A Name Connects Generations
A name makes the past, present, and future one continuous story.
When a name is raised:
- Ancestors are honoured
- Present house members witness
- Future generations are prepared
A name confirms that the Wilp is still alive and its line unbroken.
The Consequences of Holding a Name
Because a name is a legal and cultural entity, it comes with consequences.
If the nameholder:
- Acts with honour → the name becomes stronger
- Violates ayaawx → the Wilp may owe compensation
- Brings shame → the name may be set aside until balance is restored
The nameholder does not act alone — their actions reflect on all who carried the name before.
A Name Can Be Set Down
If balance is broken or the name becomes too shamed, it may be:
- Set down temporarily
- Not spoken at feasts
- Passed to another member later
- Restored through compensation or ceremony
Setting down a name protects the dignity of the ancestors and the Wilp.
Why Names Must Be Earned
A person must show:
- Maturity
- Knowledge
- Conduct
- Service to their people
- Ability to carry the weight of the name
Names are not taken for status — they are taken for responsibility.