Qene

Sam-ena-warq The defining characteristic of qene is a literary device known as sem-ena-werq (), which uses ambiguity to layer hidden meanings within the text; the term refers to an obvious meaning (the wax) above a deeper meaning (the gold). In the process of goldsmithing, a clay cast is made around wax, after which the wax is drained and molten gold is poured into the cast. This device is similar to a double entendre, and is predicated on multiple meanings of individual words or sentences. Wista weira Wista weira () is a literary device similar to sem-ena-werq, though less common. While it also uses ambiguity to provide hidden meanings, its ambiguity comes from interpretation of the qene as a whole, rather than words or sentences. ==History==

Origin claims Tradition credits its invention to Tawanay of Gojjam, who is said to have lived in the 14th century and founded the famous Qene school of Gonj. Earliest documentation The earliest specimens of qene extant date back to the late 15th century to the reign of Emperor Eskender (1478–94). The rules and style of qene were historically taught as part of religious education in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, in the level of schooling known as qene bet (“house of poetry”). Well-known modern Ethiopian poets include Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin, Kebede Michael, and Mengistu Lemma. ==Themes==

Sem-ena-werq in religious qene represents the theological dualism of Miaphysitism of the Oriental Orthodox Churches. Secular qene was historically used to subtly insult and criticize those in positions of authority. ==See also==