All of our waist beads are either tie on or stretchy ones and all made by traditional and authentic African beaders. Our waist beads are hand crafted by skilled beaders in West Africa; from glass and Czech beads as well as crystal with either polyester and cotton mixed thread, elastic/stretchy or with high quality and strong cotton thread to avoid allergic reaction.

This BAYA FOLO waist bead is made with MULTIPLE strands using cotton threads.

In terms of history, waist beads have long been used in African’s cultures as a symbol of femininity, seduction, adornment, shaping waistline, fertility, spirituality, wealth, protection, healing and prosperity; for many centuries (as early as the 15th century). For instance, in West Africa, the women take pride in wearing their waist beads, in some cases it is often seen as a spiritual adornment, once it is tied to help with a specific manifestation or healing journey. 

So, elders will say that the waist beads are never taken off, until you obtain your desired intention, then you may take it off or replace it with new ones if you wish. Except, when only it snapped on its own, which means it protected you from an evil eye, bad omen or negative energy. Therefore, it is known to be a popular African cultural heritage.

The tie on closure is really practical as you can adjust/loosen the waist beads around your waist when necessary. We also suggest you maintain a 2 to 3 inches gap, when you tie your waist beads, to allow room for comfort if you get bloated around your time of the month. 

Moreover, please bear in mind that traditionally waist beads are worn on top of your womb (the source of all human life creation); so setting your intention is highly recommended to help with your creation/manifestation. However, if you are wearing it as a fashion piece or just because you love wearing it on your stomach, you do not need to set intentions. Either way, let yourself be inspired.

Details

Authentic African waist beads

• Production - Handmade
• Length - Varies from styles and some threads may be slightly longer than others but the beaded length is the same
• GOLD: 74m beaded/102m end to end of threads
• LIGHT BLUE - BLUE: 76m beaded/105m end to end of threads
• GOLD & WHITE: 74m beaded/ 95m end to end of threads
• PINK & WHITE - CRYSTAL - PINK - WHITE - BLACK & WHITE: 76m beaded/107m end to end of threads
• DARK BLUE: 72m beaded/110m end to end of threads
• Materials - Crystal or glass beads, and cotton threads
• Closure - Tie
• Style- Beaded either solid or mixed colour combinations, with multiple stranded threads
• Dispatch- Regular orders will be dispatched from the UK within 2-4 days, large or wholesale orders will be put in production in Africa, where the confection can take 3-7 days, depending on the styles and volume of order. And be mindful of the overall shipping time too, which can take up to 10 days, to ship from West Africa. This is just an estimation, with Covid 19, some delays may occur; but we have a strong system in place and we will endeavour to always exceed your expectation.

• Please note:That Ala Bella offers a custom made to order service, with length and colour combination of your choice, including personalised designs. Moreover, we also offer a wholesale service if interested, please get in touch with us to discuss any of these services further.