Fun Facts
Waist beads are a type of jewelry worn around the waist or hip area. Originating in Africa, they are traditionally worn by women as a symbol of waist size, beauty, sexuality, femininity, fertility, well-being, and maturity. Commonly made of glass, metal, crystals, gemstones, charms, wooden beads, or plastic beads, they are typically strung on cotton thread, twine, wire, clear cord, or elastic cord. The colors and materials used may hold symbolic, cultural, or personal significance for the wearer. The culture or beliefs of the wearer determine when the beads are worn or taken off. Waist beads can also be used for health tracking, such as weight loss. More modern uses of waist beads are related to fashion.
Waist beads actually originated in ancient Egypt, where they were known as girdles. Egyptians wore them around their waist or lower abdomen. Girdles were symbols of status and were made of chains, wire, thread, and shells, and often featured multiple colors.Today, people from many African cultures wear waist beads, including Ghanaians, Senegalese, Yorubas, Igbos, Ewes, Ashantis, Krobos, and Ga-Adangbes.Each culture has its own reasons for wearing waist beads. In many African cultures, waist beads are commonly given to young women around the time they go through puberty.