Waist beads are a type of jewellery worn around the waist or on the hips originating from West Africa.

Waist beads are traditionally worn by women as a symbol of beauty, femininity, fertility, well-being or maturity. Waist beads actually originated in ancient Egypt, where they were known as girdles. Egyptians wore them around their waist or lower abdomen. Girdles were symbols of status and were made of chains, wire, thread, and shells, and often featured multiple colors. Hieroglyphs depict dancers adorned with braids and waist beads. Cultures that traditionally utilize waist beads include the Egyptian culture, Ghana, Yoruba, Ewe, Ashanti, Krobo, Ga-Adangbe, Senegalese, Igbos, Yorubas, Ewes, Ashantis, Krobos and Swahilis and others.

Beads in Ghanaian culture go beyond decoration.They are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Ghana conveying specific information. Beads are tools of communication, used to express personal identity, social status, family background, clan, wealth and even spiritual protection. Each bead, whether it’s a glass bead, a metal bead, a natural bead, or a gemstone bead, tells a story. The color, size, and arrangement of the beads can convey a wealth of information about the wearer. The color of the beads, in particular, holds profound symbolism. Each color represents a specific idea or message. For instance, gold beads symbolize wealth and prosperity, white beads represent purity and spirituality, while green beads are associated with fertility and growth.

In Ashante and Krobo cultures mothers present waist beads to their daughters to mark their coming of age. Beads are commonly made of glass, metal, crystals, gemstones, charms, wood, or plastics and are typically strung on cotton thread, twine, wire, cord (elastic or non-elastic). The colors and materials have a symbolic, cultural, or personal significance for the wearer.

In Ghanaian tribal ceremonies, beads play a central role, particularly in the ‘Dipo’ rites of the Krobo tribe. The Krobo, known for their bead-making skills, have a rich tradition of using beads in their ceremonies, with glass beads being particularly significant. The ‘Dipo’ ceremony is a rite of passage for Krobo girls, marking their transition into womanhood. During this ceremony, the girls are adorned with beads around their waist, ankles, and neck. These beads are not just decorative; they are symbolic, each color and pattern conveying specific meanings.The waist beads worn during the ‘Dipo’ ceremony are usually larger and more elaborate than everyday waist beads. They are carefully chosen to reflect the girl’s family background, clan, and wealth. The beads serve as a form of communication, providing potential suitors with information about the girl’s social status and family lineage.

Among the Ashante and Krobo, wood and glass beads featuring the 'evil eye' are commonly worn for spiritual protection, along with old Venetian Trade Beads. Traditionally handed down as heirlooms within families, it is commonly believed the beads impart the knowledge and wisdom of family ancestors.