FASHION CORNER: WAIST BEADS
Lara Adeniyi
Waist Beads are traditional African female accessory that has been in existence for ages. Waist beads are used to promote cultural awareness and the african heritage. They are a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality and beauty. They are also referred to as belly beads, waistline beads and beaded waist chains.
Different people have different reasons for wearing waist beads has it performs both aesthetic and practical purposes. For instance it is used for weight awareness. Instead of using the scale, waist beads can be used to determine weight loss or gain. Waist beads sit higher on the waist or feel tight when one has added weight and it falls below the hips one loses weight.
Waist beads are used to enhance one’s sexuality. It is worn in intimate settings for the wearer and her chosen partner to see.
As waist beads are a sign of growth, maturity and womanhood, in some parts of Africa, waist beads are worn on adolescents to show that they have reached a stage of womanhood and outgrowing a pair of waistbeads also signify a passage into a new face of life.
Waist beads are a symbol of cultural identity and power. It goes way back as a reminder of the African heritage and pride. Women wear waist beads to portray their cultural heritage and pride.
Although there are several misconceptions about waist beads, it can be concluded that waist beads goes a long way in enhancing body positivity, cultural identity and beauty.
