Role of hereditary name holders and Elders

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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.

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