Religion
The Qemant traditionally practiced a religion which is said to combine elements from Judaism, paganism and animism. According to the American scholar Frederic C. Gamst, their "Hebraism is an ancient form and unaffected by Hebraic change of the past two millenia". A recent sociolinguistic survey notes that the Kemant religion is in a very precarious situation since very few people still adhere to it. According to this study, the ratio of those who follow the Kemant religion vs. those who are baptized and converted to Orthodox Christianity is about 1% vs. 99%[1].

Their religious observances include a literal reading of the 11th chapter of Leviticus (see Kashrut). As with mainstream Judaism, even permitted animals can only be consumed if they are properly slaughtered (see Shechita). Their practices include animal sacrifices, and the tending of sacred groves (called degegna).

Worship is conducted outdoors, usually at a site near a sacred tree (called qole), wrapped in variously-colored strips of cloth. This appears to be an emulation of a biblical tradition:

"Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there the name of God", Genesis 21:33.
and

"..where the women wove hangings for the grove", 2nd Book of Kings 23:7.
Their name for God is Yeadara, who is regarded as omnipresent.

The Sabbath is is observed on Saturday, during which it is forbidden to light a fire. The extent to which other prohibitions, as are found in Judaism, are observed is unclear.

The highest religious leader among the Qemant is their High Priest (called the Wambar or Womber, from an Amharic term meaning "seat"). The Womber is highly respected and considered the ehad of all Kemant people

The Quemant belief system includes angels, of whom the most respected is Jakaranti. Next in importance after Jakaranti are Mezgani and Anzatatera. Other angels include Kiberwa, Aderaiki and Shemani.

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History
The origins of the Qemant are shrouded by history, as they do not have any written history. According to oral tradition, the founder of the Qemant was a man called Anayer.

Anayer is said to have been a grandson of Canaan, son of Ham, son of Noah. After seven years of famine in his own country, he is said to have come to the area of Lake Tana, in Ethiopia.

As he traveled with his wife and children, he met the founder of the Beta Israel, who is said to have been traveling in the same direction.

According to Wambar Muluna Marsha, they were from the same country (which they called Canaan).

A marriage was intended between the two groups (or between their founders), although this plan was apparently never realized. This would mean that the founder of the Beta Israel was a woman.