Waist beads

Waist beads was commonly made of glass, metal, crystals, gemstones, charms, wood, or plastics, they are typically strung on cotton thread, twine, wire, cord (elastic or non-elastic).

[2][3] Girdles were symbols of status and were made of chains, wire, thread, and shells, and often featured multiple colors[4] Modern-day people from many African cultures wear waist beads, including Ghanaians, Senegalese, Igbos, Yorubas, Ewes, Ashantis, Krobos, Swahilis, bakongoMijikenda and Ga-Adangbes.

The initiation ceremony held for a young woman is called Dipo, during which beads are worn on the neck, ankles, and waist.

Waist beads are often worn to represent luck and are commonly made of seeds, seashells, glass pieces, teeth, ivory, and stones.

[7] The use of waist beads in Igbo culture dates back to 500 BC and has been worn by both men and women across all social classes.

Waist beads, known as Mgbájí in Igbo language, are commonly used during festivities and traditional ceremonies, and are popular among young girls and married women.

As a young woman outgrows her beads, she receives newer ones, which are worn as symbols of confidence, femininity, fertility, and well-being.

[9] Waist beads are worn for posture, beauty, weight tracking, protection, growth, sexual desire, and other reasons.

In Hausa culture, there are claims that beads can be used to ward off evil, preserving virginity, and protecting girls from getting raped.

Lastly, the waist beads are sealed either with a clamp, a tight knot, a crimp lock, or may be burned together firmly.

The purpose and meaning of waist beads are individual to the wearer, but may represent personal beliefs or cultural heritage, often expressed through the choice of colors and materials.