View source for Role of hereditary name holders and Elders

= Role of Hereditary Name Holders and Elders =

In Ts’msyen law, authority is carried through both **hereditary name holders** and **Elders**.  
These roles are distinct but interdependent. Neither functions properly without the other.

Hereditary name holders carry **active authority and responsibility**, while Elders safeguard **memory, law, and correction**. Together, they ensure continuity, balance, and accountability.

----

== Hereditary Name Holders ==

Hereditary name holders occupy **living legal offices** within a house (*wilp*).  
A name represents an enduring role that predates and outlives any individual.

=== Authority of Name Holders ===

A hereditary name holder may:
* speak on behalf of the wilp in lawful contexts
* represent the house in feasts and disputes
* carry responsibility for crests and territory
* initiate or respond to legal processes
* uphold agreements and compensation obligations

Authority is exercised **for the house**, not for personal benefit.

----

=== Responsibilities of Name Holders ===

With authority comes obligation. A name holder must:
* uphold ayaawx in conduct and decision-making
* protect the integrity of the name
* act with restraint, dignity, and accountability
* accept correction when wrong
* prepare and mentor future successors

Failure to meet these responsibilities weakens both the name and the house.

----

== Elders ==

Elders are the **guardians of law, memory, and balance**.  
Their authority does not depend on holding a hereditary name, though some Elders may also be name holders.

Eldership arises through:
* lived experience
* demonstrated wisdom
* deep knowledge of adaawx and ayaawx
* trust earned over time

----

=== Role of Elders in Law ===

Elders:
* recall precedent and true histories
* advise on proper conduct
* guide succession decisions
* interpret law in complex situations
* intervene when imbalance occurs

Elders do not rule by command; they guide through knowledge and moral authority.

----

== Relationship Between Name Holders and Elders ==

The relationship is reciprocal:

* Name holders act.
* Elders remember.
* Name holders lead.
* Elders correct.
* Name holders represent the present.
* Elders anchor the past and protect the future.

A name holder who ignores Elders risks acting unlawfully.  
Elders without engaged name holders cannot give effect to law.

----

== Succession and Preparation ==

Elders play a central role in preparing future name holders.

They:
* assess readiness and character
* advise on timing of succession
* ensure knowledge transfer
* protect continuity of law

Succession without Elder guidance weakens legitimacy.

----

== Elders in Feasts ==

In feast governance, Elders:
* witness name transfers
* confirm legitimacy
* recall obligations attached to names
* guide correction when disputes arise

Their presence strengthens the legal weight of proceedings.

----

== Limits on Authority ==

Neither name holders nor Elders possess absolute power.

Limits include:
* clan law (pdeex)
* house consensus
* public witnessing
* correction through feast

Authority persists only through lawful conduct.

----

== Intergenerational Responsibility ==

Both roles share responsibility for:
* teaching youth
* transmitting law
* protecting names from misuse
* ensuring future stability of the wilp

Law survives only when knowledge is carried forward.

----

== Living Balance ==

Hereditary name holders and Elders together embody Ts’msyen governance:

* authority balanced by memory
* action guided by wisdom
* continuity maintained through correction

Where this balance is respected, Ts’msyen law remains strong and living.