Waistbeads, also known as Ileke or Jigida, are a traditional accessory worn by women in many African cultures.
What are waist beads made from?African waist beads may be made from glass, nuts, wood, or metal which are pierced, and hung on a string or threaded. They are often worn around the hips or waist.
Our waistbeads are made with traditional non-elastic thread. These waist beads can be tied yourself and worn until you cut them.
The earliest history of waist beads goes back to Ancient Egypt. They have historically been worn in several countries in Africa.
Egyptians wore them around their waist or lower abdomen. Waistbeads were symbols of status and were made of chains, wire, thread, and shells, and often featured multiple colors. Modern-day people from many African cultures wear waist beads, including Igbos, Krobos, Ghanaians, Senegalese, Yorubas, Ewes, Ashantis, Swahilis, Mijikenda 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.
IgboThe 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. They are usually made with materials such as copper, coral, beads, and stones, and held together with string or wire. More than one string is usually worn at a time. Today, waist beads are mostly worn only for traditional Igbo ceremonies, such as Igba nkwu (traditional marriage). Traditionally, Mgbájí is one of the essential items a groom must present to his bride, as the bride's wedding attire is incomplete without them. Waist beads in Igbo culture symbolize wealth, fertility, and femininity.
YorubaThe Yoruba people refer to waist beads as Ileke, ibebe idi, Jigida, and Lagidigba. In Yoruba culture, waist beads are a part of the rite of passage for young women. As a young woman outgrows her beads, she receives newer ones, which are worn as symbols of confidence, femininity, fertility, and well-being.
Hausa The Hausa ethnic group the largest tribe in present-day Nigeria. The use of beads on different parts of the body by men, women, the young and the old dates back to hundreds of decades. The Hausa tend to wear beads around the ankles, necks, wrists, and waist. Waist beads among the Hausa are referred to as Jigida. It is common to see newborn females with beads around their waist. Typical Hausa beads are usually tinier than most, and are made of plastic, wood, bones, cowries and shells. In Hausa culture, there are claims that beads can be used to ward off evil, preserving virginity, and protecting girls from getting raped. They are also worn for adornment, enhancing femininity and sensuality.
GhanaIn Ghanaian culture, beads are a part of the rite of passage during puberty, which is associated with fertility and marriage. This symbolizes maturity and the beginning of womanhood. 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. They are often hand-painted. The size of the waist beads is said to signify a woman's level of sexual maturity. In some traditions, waist beads are considered intimate and personal and are not supposed to be seen by anyone except the person's significant other.