The Akan Tribe in Ghana name their children by the day of the week they were born on. Abena is for girls/women born on Tuesday. This name is associated with the Ocean!
approx 36 inches
Waist beads were used in ancient Ghana to mark a young girl's femininity and womanhood. This body adornment was believed to help with fertility and slimming the waist after childbirth. Today many women use waist beads for style, sexual empowerment, body confidence and connecting with their African ancestry. I personally wear multiple waist beads because they make me feel sexy as well as reminding me of the people + history I come from.
Materials: Uncoated cotton thread, powder glass beads
Where To Place Them?
Usually at the panty line. As well as on the hips or natural waist.
How Long Do They Last?
Waist beads are intended to be worn all the time and usually last for many years until the thread becomes weak from wear + tear or you decide to cut them off.
How To Put Them On?
If there is a knot connecting both ends of the waist beads untie the knot but be careful not to let the beads fall off. Place the waist beads around your waist or hips, choosing where you want them to lay. IF you need to remove the excess beads, do so at this point. Tie a few tight knots. When you are happy with tightness + placement cut off excess string. Do not tie them too tightly.
These waistbeads are ethically-sourced from local female artisans in Accra + Tamale