Story By: Ishmael Barfi
Waist beads, also known as ‘Toma’ in the Akan dialect, are traditional African accessories made from small pieces of glass, plastic, wood, or metal pierced and strung together.
These waist beads are predominantly worn around the waist or hips by females and hold deep cultural and personal significance.
Women from many ethnic groups in Ghana, such as the Akans, Ewes, and Northerners, are known for using waist beads and bead-making in general. Waist beads can be crafted from various materials.
Historically, the earliest beads were made from natural materials such as cowries, which could be easily drilled and shaped. In modern times, common materials include wood, plastic, glass, crystal, metal, and decorative stones.
Mrs. Monica Osei popularly known as Original Mamamaama in her shop
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Mrs. Monica Osei popularly known as Original Mamamaama, who sells a variety of beautiful beads at her shop ‘Mamamaama (Original) Beads’ situated in both Accra, Kwabenya and Kumasi, Kejetia Market has a unique style in naming her waist beads after creating them.
She explained that waist beads are not just decorative accessories; they serve practical purposes as well. She further explained that one of the key reasons women wear waist beads is to monitor weight changes. Unlike belts or clothing, which can stretch over time, waist beads remain fixed in size.
“When a woman gains weight, the beads will feel tighter and may sit higher on her waist, indicating a change in her body size. Conversely, if she loses weight, the beads will become looser and may fall lower on her hips,” she noted.
This natural method, she emphasized, allows women to stay aware of their body changes without relying on scales or measurements.
“The beads serve as a gentle reminder to maintain a healthy lifestyle and can motivate women to stay mindful of their physical well-being, again, during sex, waist beads can heighten the experience, as the sound they produce during movement can intensify the moment and increase desire, especially the big ones,” she
Displaying a beautiful variety of beads in her shop, she explained that waist beads are also a symbol of feminism, as women of all ages traditionally wear them. This practice sets women apart from men and highlights their unique identity and roles within their culture.
Front view of Mrs. Monica Osei popularly known as Original Mamamaama Beads Shop
“Each bead you see here, whether a glass bead, a metal bead, a natural bead, or a gemstone bead, tells a story and has a name. The beads’ color, size, and arrangement convey a wealth of information about the wearer and partner,” she added.
“The names of my beads are divinely inspired. God is my inspiration. The beads are meant to positively impact the individual and her marriage life, so I choose names that reflect values of love, respect, and commitment. For instance, I have beads named ‘I Love My Husband’, ‘Odo Pa’ meaning ‘Perfect Love’, and ‘Gye Nyame’ meaning ‘Only God’. I also have ‘Mesi Wo Hene’ which means ‘I Will Make You a King’ and ‘Rich Daddy’”. Mamamaama revealed.
Original Mamamaama finds fulfillment in sharing her art with others, spreading love, and encouraging others through the naming of her beads— worn as a symbol of faith, a token of love, or simply as a stunning accessory her beads are truly unique and special. By combining her passion for bead-making with her faith, she creates meaningful adornments that inspire and uplift.
A visit to her shop in Kumasi, New Kejetia Market shows how many young women value and cherish the wearing of waist beads, as one would see women of all classes and faith patronizing her well-crafted, beautiful and glorious variety of waist beads at affordable prices.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
