Name-bearing roles and succession
Name-Bearing Roles and Succession
In Ts’msyen law, a name is not a label or personal possession. A name is a **legal office**, a **living role**, and a **continuity of responsibility** carried through time.
When a person receives a name, they do not merely inherit honor — they assume the duties, conduct, and consequences associated with that role.
Meaning of Name-Bearing
A Ts’msyen name represents:
- a defined legal role within a house (*wilp*)
- authority to act and speak in certain contexts
- responsibility tied to specific adaawx
- continuity of a living personhood through generations
The same name may be held by many individuals over time, but it is understood as **one enduring role**.
Names as Living Persons
In Ts’msyen understanding, names are treated as living persons.
This means:
- actions taken under a name carry forward
- reputation accumulates across generations
- misconduct affects future holders
- honor strengthens the role for those who follow
A name remembers.
Relationship Between Name and Wilp
Names belong to the wilp, not to individuals.
The wilp:
- holds authority over the name
- determines when a name is raised or retired
- selects the next holder
- corrects misuse of the role
A name-bearer serves at the will of the house and under ayaawx.
Clan (Pdeex) Obligations
Because each wilp belongs to a clan:
- succession follows clan law
- maternal lineage governs eligibility
- clan members hold corrective authority
Clan balance ensures that names are not misused for personal gain.
Types of Name-Bearing Roles
Name-bearing roles vary in scope and responsibility and may include:
- house leaders
- speakers and diplomats
- stewards of land and resources
- ritual or ceremonial roles
- legal and dispute-resolution roles
Not all names carry the same authority, but all carry obligation.
Succession Principles
Succession is governed by ayaawx and adaawx, not by election or inheritance alone.
Key principles include:
Readiness
A successor must demonstrate:
- knowledge of adaawx
- understanding of obligations
- appropriate conduct
- ability to serve the house
Age alone does not determine readiness.
Continuity
Succession prioritizes continuity of law and responsibility rather than individual ambition.
Consent
The wilp must consent to the appointment.
Disputed successions weaken authority.
Role of Elders
Elders play a central role in succession.
They:
- assess readiness
- advise on timing
- recall precedent
- guide correction when needed
Elders protect the integrity of the name.
Feast Confirmation
A name is not fully held until it is confirmed in feast.
Feast confirmation:
- publicly witnesses the transfer
- affirms legitimacy
- assigns responsibility
- allows for challenge or correction
Without feast witnessing, a name lacks full legal standing.
Temporary and Acting Roles
In some cases, a name may be:
- held temporarily
- carried by an acting holder
- set aside until a successor is ready
These arrangements must be acknowledged and witnessed.
Misuse and Correction
If a name is misused:
- the wilp may intervene
- the clan may correct
- authority may be withdrawn
- compensation may be required
A name-holder who violates ayaawx diminishes the name itself.
Retirement and Rest
Names may be set aside to allow:
- healing after conflict
- mourning
- preparation of a successor
Rest is a lawful part of continuity.
Names as Living Law
Name-bearing is not symbolic.
It is living law expressed through:
- conduct
- accountability
- memory
- succession
Where names are carried properly, law remains intact. Where they are misused, law weakens — until corrected.