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By Chinazam Ikechi-Uko
In a world filled with trends that come and go, certain timeless accessories manage to stand the test of time and retain their allure. One such mesmerising and empowering adornment is the waist beads. Waist beads have made a full comeback and are here to stay. It is all over Instagram, it’s on your favourite influencer, in music videos and at every festival and concert. Maybe you are a waist beads enthusiast, maybe you have a few but always forget to wear them, maybe you are looking to be a convert. Prepare to be mesmerised as we embark on a journey through time, unveiling the captivating revival of African beads and jewellery, a tale that will leave you spellbound. But before we delve into its glorious resurgence, let’s first uncover a glimpse of its rich and storied past.
Waist beads, a mesmerising and empowering adornment, have made a full comeback and are now a global fashion trend, celebrated on social media, by influencers, in music videos, festivals, and concerts. Their resurgence reflects the rich cultural diversity of Africa, where accessories like intricately crafted beads and head ties hold significant meaning beyond mere beauty. Unfortunately, the history of African jewellery has faced challenges due to misconceptions, mysticism, and misrepresentation, leading some to overlook its cultural importance. However, as waist beads reclaim their place on the global stage, they serve as a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, and spirituality, bridging the gap between tradition and modern fashion.
Historically, waist beads have been more than just a fashion accessory; they represent a celebration of femininity, a connection to ancient traditions, spirituality and a symbol of empowerment. They have an incredible history that spans across cultures, from West Africa to ancient Egypt and beyond. Waist beads are an age-old symbol of femininity and sensuality. They have been used to signify various rites of passage, fertility, and marital status. In certain cultures, like the Krobo in Ghana, it is normal practice for younger women to wear beads that are larger in size and adorned with bells once they come of age, to announce their readiness for marriage to potential suitors. Au contraire to the modern style however, they were often meant to be hidden and only visible to the wearer’s husband. Keeping them hidden was seen as a way to maintain a sense of modesty and protect the wearer’s privacy.
In some other cultures, they are believed to possess spiritual properties, providing womb protection, fertility, and a connection between body and soul. Waist beads were also used to track weight loss or gain. As the beads rest on your waist, you become more aware of changes in your waistline, offering subtle cues about fluctuations in your weight.
In recent years, we have been witnessing a renaissance of the waist beads. The world is rediscovering the enchanting history and the deep-rooted culture associated with these mesmerising adornments. In this modern era of global connections and appreciation for diverse cultures, waist beads have found their way back into the hearts and wardrobes of people all around the globe. Waist beads have become one of the trendiest must-have accessories. What’s not to love about them? From subtle pastels to vibrant hues, waist beads come in a kaleidoscope of colours, catering to every taste and style. In a bid to understand the love and popularity of the waist bead trend, I spoke with various waist bead lovers, from vendors to frequent wearers.
“I really like jewellery so I put them on as much as possible but sometimes I forget. Waist beads are like earrings you don’t have to take off.”
-Zia.
Meet Zia, she has been wearing waist beads for over 3 years. She wears them for style purposes and has a preference for purple ones. She also loves waist beads that spell out her name.
Zia: Yes, it is something that people still associate with promiscuity. I really don’t care so I just ignore it.
Zia: I see them as another fashion accessory such as anklets and bracelets.
Zia: I tend to forget my waist beads are on so an obstacle I face is it presses into my back whilst exercising.
Zia: There’s a waist bead for you, you just need to find it.
“I don’t wear it for the cultural significance. I wear it for me, how it makes me feel.”
-Dilara.
Next I sat with two other enthusiasts, Dilara and Z. Dilara has had an on and off relationship with waist beads. Swinging from wearing them for traditional reasons to a must-have accessory. She prefers to wear multiple waist beads at once and she has worn as many as 7 at a time.
D: Mostly personal choice. I am Igbo and traditionally, we don’t wear the kinds of tiny waist beads that are popular now.
D: Waist beads look very sensual… And I mean beads not chains. There’s something about the way they sit on your waist, hugging your mid region. I see them in the mirror on my waist and I wanna take me home too.
D: Hmmm. It’s been on and off in secondary school, then I had more traditional beads. The kinds for dancing, but I stopped wearing them. But I became steady in my 2nd year of university.
D: Oh my God, my periods. Ah. Bloating. I take them off for a few moments so I can breathe properly because it suddenly gets irritating during that time of the month.
“Just view it from a non-superstitious POV and you’ll be fine.”
-Z
Z loves waist beads because they are pretty to her and on her. She isn’t really specific with her choices nor does she factor colours when shopping for them. Nonetheless, there are definitely colours she wouldn’t wear, for example, green.
Z: Well, yes. I feel sexier. Idk how to explain it but the knowledge of the beads around my waist is lovely.
Z: I can’t lie, I’d say it’s peer pressure.
Z: Yes, that it is voodoo.
“They signify the kind of aesthetic I’m trying to portrait.”
-Omoloto.
So I could get a broader perception of the love and resurgence for the waist bead, I spoke with a social media influencer who runs a thrift business as well as a bead-jewellery one. Her name is Omoloto, however, she is known as Omolotsss on her social media accounts, she is both an enthusiast and a vendor.
O: Last year July, I developed a sense of style and waist beads went with the look so I started wearing them.
O: Whenever I make waist beads for myself, I tend to look for colours that match with the hues in my wardrobe. I make them with colours that go with my outfit.
O: There isn’t an exact confidence that I get from wearing them, I have always had confidence so they are more like accessories for me.
O: Yes, waist beads have gotten a lot popular this year. There are a lot of stereotypes associated with them but I don’t think a lot of people care as much as they did back then.
“A few weeks back a customer told me about how she had a minor quarrel with her spouse, she had just gotten her beads from me earlier that day and at night she showed him and things got settled in the sheets.”
-Tarela.
Lastly, I spoke with another waist bead vendor, Tarela. Tarela owns a full scale beads shop called Iléké by Tee. She also makes custom bead accessories and an easy way to reach out is via social media platforms.
T: I started selling waist beads during lockdown because I needed money. Also, I really like waist beads and I wanted to see more people wearing them.
T: People have started seeing the beauty of adorning their body especially the waist and I love it for them. We are Africans and wearing waist beads has always been a part of our culture, so taking people back to their roots and making others see the beauty of our culture is just amazing.
T: Yes, every other day I educate people about waist beads. I have to explain to people that the waist beads I make aren’t to jazz men. But, I am getting there, people now know better.
T: I buy the beads and make the waist beads myself because I genuinely love making them and I love seeing what I make on people.
T: WOMEN LOVE AND ADORN YOUR BODY!
So, whether you’re a long-time waist bead enthusiast or a newcomer intrigued by the allure of these adornments, it’s time to dive in and embrace the waist beads movement. Add a touch of mystery and enchantment to your style, celebrate your body with pride, and connect with the rich traditions of Africa. Join the global community that has fallen in love with waist beads, and let your own unique story intertwine with the mesmerising history of waist beads.
