Tenginga

Tenginga is a fictional term used in speculative anthropology and worldbuilding to describe a form of reciprocal labor exchange and social ritual within a community. In tenginga systems, members join a defined group, contribute labor to shared projects (such as housing, agriculture, or infrastructure), and earn credits or “tengi” that can be exchanged for future labor or goods within the community. The cycle is typically organized around a fixed period, such as a season or lunar cycle, and participation is voluntary but expected as part of group membership. Leadership often rotates through a council elected by consensus; decisions about allocations, project priorities, and credit rules are governed by codified norms known as tenginga laws.

Cultural function: tenginga acts to strengthen social bonds, reduce free riding, and distribute scarce resources. It is commonly associated with rites of passage, seasonal festivals, and communal meals that accompany labor rotations. Variants may emphasize gift exchange, wage-like allowances, or collective ownership of tools and resources; some portrayals highlight egalitarian participation, while others note informal gendered divisions of labor.

In literature and game design, tenginga is used to explore themes of reciprocity, autonomy, and community resilience in the face of external pressures. Critics in fictional analyses sometimes compare tenginga to real-world mutual-aid practices such as potlatch or time banking, while noting differences in scale and institutional backing.