Chrisana Hill hangs waist beads on a rack for Georgina Fofana, owner of Jerk-N-Waisted, an accessories brand, during a gathering at an event space in East Pilsen July 16, 2022, in Chicago.

Waist beads and magic. In Ghana and other parts of West Africa, women traditionally added charms and fragrant oils to lure suitors or protect themselves against negative energy.

Glass Beads of Ghana. Where: Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark. When: Through June 15, 2009. Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and ...

Since time immemorial, several tribes in Ghana notably Ewes, Krobos, Ga-Adangbes and Ashantis have used waist beads to shape children and women and also used these beads as accessories. For some ...

From stunning crystals to beaded jewels, women around the world have been wearing waist beads as a fashion statement and celebration of their womanhood for decades. Whether you get them tied on or ...

Ndeya Berryman makes waist beads in the living room of her East Palo Alto, Calif. home on Friday, July 27, 2012. African waist beads are becoming more popular with women of all ethnicities, ages ...

Krobo, Ghana (CNN)-- A new generation of Ghanaians are rediscovering their heritage -- and rediscovering the appeal of traditional beads. Many Ghanaians used to associate beads with an old ...

They’re also referred to as belly beads, waistline beads, or beaded waist chains. In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, waist beads are a symbol of femininity, fertility ...

The waist bead in particular, has consistently been a generational unique feminine accessory, that has gained popularity in lovemaking, with many men finding them attractive and stimulating.

In Ghana, waist beads were nicknamed Jel-Jelli, Jigida, Giri-Giri, Djalay Djalay and Yomba. They were worn by girls to help form their bodies into shape.

In Ghana, waist beads were nicknamed Jel-Jelli, Jigida, Giri-Giri, Djalay Djalay and Yomba. They were worn by girls to help form their bodies into shape.

Chicago's Hapi Danielle is an artist, entrepreneur, community activist, poet, and all-around dynamo who has dedicated her life to the betterment of people.