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.