Bloodlines and Adoption
Bloodlines and Adoption
Bloodlines and adoption define how identity, responsibility, and belonging are transferred within Tsm’syen society. Ayaawx establishes that a person’s place in the world — their Wilp, clan, crests, and rights — flows through their lineage or, when necessary, through properly witnessed adoption.
Matrilineal Bloodlines
Tsm’syen identity follows a strict matrilineal system.
A person belongs to:
- Their mother’s Wilp
- Their mother’s Pdeex (clan)
- Their mother’s crest set
- Their mother’s house histories (adaawx)
This determines:
- Rights to territory (lax’yip)
- Standing in feasts
- Eligibility for names
- Obligations in justice matters
- Social and political belonging
Bloodline is not just ancestry — it is law.
Bloodline Responsibilities
Every member of a Wilp carries responsibilities:
- Protecting and defending house territories
- Upholding and passing on stories (adaawx)
- Supporting feasts and compensation duties
- Representing the Wilp with good conduct
- Maintaining balance with other houses
A person’s actions reflect directly on their bloodline.
The Role of Fathers
A father contributes:
- Teachings
- Support
- Relationship obligations
But his children belong to their mother’s Wilp and clan. This maintains balance, prevents confusion of authority, and ensures continuity of the matriline.
Adoption in Tsm’syen Law
Adoption is an ancient and fully legitimate process within ayaawx.
An adopted member is not “lesser” — they become a full member of the Wilp with the same duties and protections.
Reasons for Adoption
Adoption occurs when:
- A Wilp needs to replace a lost lineage member
- A name or crest must be carried forward
- A house requires additional strength to fulfill obligations
- Long-standing alliances or relationships are formalized
- A child has no secure Wilp due to tragedy
Adoption Requirements
Adoption is not quiet or private. It must be:
- Approved by the Sm’ooygit or senior women
- Acknowledged by key Wilp members
- Declared publicly at a feast
- Witnessed and compensated
Without witnesses, an adoption is not legally binding under ayaawx.
What Adoption Transfers
Adoption grants:
- Full Wilp membership
- Clan and crest identity
- Rights to territory
- Eligibility for names
- Responsibilities in feasts and justice
Adoption is an act of restoration — not replacement of the past but creation of rightful belonging.
Differences: Bloodline vs. Adoption
While both bloodline members and adopted members hold rights, there are traditional distinctions.
Bloodline Members
- Carry the ancient lineage
- Inherit senior or high-ranking names more often
- Hold ancestral territorial claims
- Maintain unbroken connection to adaawx
Adopted Members
- Can carry names, but senior names may remain with bloodlines
- Hold rights granted through adoption
- Represent the Wilp with equal responsibility
- Strengthen continuity, especially during population loss
Both are legitimate and essential to the survival of the Wilp system.
Restoration Through Adoption
In times of epidemic, warfare, or loss, adoption preserved:
- Clan balance
- House survival
- Territorial continuity
- Ayaawx authority
Adoption is a protective mechanism — ensuring no Wilp dies out and no territory becomes abandoned or vulnerable.
Misconduct and Bloodline Consequences
Under ayaawx, an individual’s actions reflect on:
- Their Wilp
- Their clan
- Their mother’s lineage
- Their ancestor’s name
If a member commits wrongdoing:
- Their Wilp may owe compensation
- Their conduct affects house prestige
- Restorative feasts may be required
Ayaawx is not only personal — it is collective.
Modern Context
Today, written administrative membership lists can exist, but they must not contradict:
- Matrilineal law
- Bloodline identity
- Adaawx
- Traditional adoption procedures
A modern “membership code” that contradicts ayaawx has no authority in feast law.