Africa, the original home of humanity and civilization,

has a rich cultural heritage. Most significant is how beaded jewelry is used to depict meaning. From religion, wealth or royal significance, to representing life lessons, and the mundane trials of daily life, assigning meaning to beads is a centuries’ long tradition.

 

Possessing or wearing old African beads is believed to provide wisdom, hope, luck, and well-being. Even today, beads are imbued with symbolic meaning through colour, texture, design, or what they are made from.

 

Red = danger, courage, power, hardships, and solidarity.

 

Black = hardships, unity, empathy, and goodwill.

 

White = good fortune borne on the backs of winged creatures.

 

White Batik Bone Beads — mostly worn by elders or noble tribal chiefs = purity, ancient wisdom, and success.

 

A black thread worn around the ankle is stylish and considered by some to be a holy thread protecting against negative energy and bringing good luck.

 

In Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and other West African countries, young women wear waist beads — known as belly beads, waistline beads, or beaded waist chains — to symbolize femininity, fertility, sensuality, and spiritual well-being.