Head of family

The head of family (Tirina: sado) is the legally-recognized leader of a Sanmra family. When a family is initially registered with the government, one member is added to the dawin as the formal leader of the family. This individual has the right to make many unilateral decisions for the family and is considered personally legally culpable for any legal problems that may arise with regards to the family or, in some circumstances, any member of the family. In English, the term "matriarch" or "patriarch" are frequently used.

The head of the family is usually the oldest member of the family, although if they are unable to perform that position due to mental condition (as determined by an impartial court of law), the position can be given to another in the family, typically the second-oldest. The position can also be freely abdicated, an option frequently used by families who wish to avoid the potentially undesired result of such an inquiry. Historically, only natural-born members of a family could become sado, but within the past two hundred years, it has become acceptable for married-in members to become heads as well.

By tradition, if not actual law, the position of sado is considered a sort of political appointment, and as such, individuals who are heads of families do not hold other political offices (e.g. being a sarda or nuoda). In cases where the eldest member of the family also holds a political office, they typically choose which position to keep; if the family consists only of a married couple who are both nuoda and their underage children, however, it is acceptable for both positions to be held.