ancí

Ancí is a traditional social practice in the fictional region of Lorena, described as a system of intergenerational apprenticeship that blends mentorship, ritual storytelling, and communal work. The term derives from the Lorene word ancí meaning "guidance through shared labor." In typical practice, a young participant is paired with an elder for a cycle of several months, during which practical skills, local history, and ethical norms are transmitted through hands-on tasks, demonstrations, and narratives.

The practice often occurs during seasonal gatherings and is marked by a public demonstration in which mentees show what they have learned before the community. Variations exist between communities: some emphasize crafts such as weaving and woodcarving; others focus on agriculture, music, or traditional medicine. The ancí cycle commonly concludes with a ceremonial exchange of tokens and a communal feast.

Scholars view ancí as a mechanism for social cohesion and cultural continuity, supporting skill development and identity formation. Critics note potential power imbalances when elders dominate the narrative and call for inclusive, youth-led elements within programs.

In modern contexts, remnants of ancí persist in rural areas with limited formal schooling, and some museums or NGOs adapt its principles to teach traditional crafts through structured programs.

See also: apprenticeship, oral tradition, intergenerational learning.