What They Think: Anklets And Waist Beads, Good Or Bad?

Beads are a beautiful part of the African culture. In Nigeria, and many other African countries, beads are famously used for many purposes and on many occasions, including weddings. 

Read More: What They Think: Do Engagement Rings Put Pressure On Women To Wear Them Or Not?

For a long time, beads have been worn by women on their waist and ankles for beautification purposes as well as other traditional purposes. We asked 5 Nigerians what they think of women wearing waist beads and anklets (beads or not) in modern times. Here’s what they said;

1. “I Feel There’s Nothing Wrong With Wearing Them.” – Damilare

What is your first impression of ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads? 

I have no first impression really. I get my first impression of people after they’ve opened their mouth. I never judge anyone just by looking at them, I think it’s wrong to. 

Do you think ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads are seen in a negative light by Nigerians?

Honestly, I don’t know. I can only speak for myself and I feel there’s nothing in wearing those things. After all, it’s their choice. 

Would you like your babe to wear waist beads and/or anklets?

Definitely yes! I don’t see anything wrong with them, most especially the waist beads, those things are extra sexy. 🤤

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2. “I Feel They’re Associated With A Cult Or Something.” – Emmanuella

What is your first impression of ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads? 

First of all, I’m a lady and although it’s my opinion, it might sound a little judgmental. Please don’t blame me, it’s the culture I grew up in.

When I see a lady with an anklet, I feel there’s some sort of association with it like a cult or something, especially if it doesn’t look fine on her leg. But lately, I just check if it’s fine or not; if it’s not, I always wonder why she bothers with it. 

Waist beads are private and you barely see them, unless at a beach and she’s wearing a revealing gown or crop top, and I really don’t care. I was made to believe there’s a charm attached to some but I still don’t care.

Do you think ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads are seen in a negative light by Nigerians?

Yes, I mean I’ve been made to believe it has some sort of association with charms or something but there’s a general assumption that she’s a hoe. However, who isn’t a hoe these days, it depends on your definition of hoe. I have friends who wear waist beads without any ulterior motive apart from helping them gauge their fat or shaping their waist.

Do you wear waist beads and/or anklets?

No, I don’t. I don’t see the joy in it or have a reason to yet. 

3. “I Have No Impressions. I thought It Was A Random Trend.” – Deji

What is your first impression of ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads? 

I have no impressions, I just thought it was a random trend. You don’t even see anklets all that often. 

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Do you think ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads are seen in a negative light by Nigerians?

Among the more conservative ones, definitely. I imagine they didn’t take it very well, you know Nigerians can be very judgemental, especially when it comes to things like this. 

Would you like your babe to wear waist beads and/or anklets?

As long as she doesn’t try to get me to wear them, everything’s fine.

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4. “My First Impression Of Ladies That Wear Waits Beads Is Based On How They Look.” – Esther

What is your first impression of ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads? 

Not to sound judgemental or anything, my first impression of people that wear waist beads is based on how they look. Some ladies wear waist beads and still look very classy doing it, but some look extra trashy and are just not it.

As for anklets, I don’t like them much. Each person has her choice to make but I’m not a fan of seeing anklets on people. 

Do you think ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads are seen in a negative light by Nigerians?

Yes, I do. I’ve heard people say that those that wear these things are loose and I’ve also heard people say these things are associated with charms and all the likes.

I know many people see waist beads and anklets in a bad light and also see those that wear them in that same light. 

Do you wear waist beads and/or anklets?

I used to until the ones I owned cut. I still plan to make another for myself. I really like them and think they are really cool. 

5. “I Find Waist Beads Attractive.” – Ore

What is your first impression of ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads? 

When I was younger they looked like market girls to me because I was not accustomed to people wearing it. I only saw it on people that sell in the market. I also had the mentality that it was for prostitutes.

Then I met a classy young lady while at secondary school who wore it. Her waist was so tiny. I really liked it. She said her grandmother put several to shape her waist since she was a child. 

Personally, I find waist beads attractive. Especially when it makes small clinking sounds. When I see waist beads on ladies, my first impression is that they’re either using it to watch their weight, shape their waist or they just simply like it.

As for anklets, I don’t really like seeing it on people. But I respect each individual’s preferences. I will get waist beads in the nearest future. Sha not in my father’s house, I have old school parents. 😉

Do you think ladies that wear anklets and/or waist beads are seen in a negative light by Nigerians?

By the older generation, they are seen as local, ungodly, street girls & possibly prostitutes. But by the new enlightened generation, they are seen as regular young ladies who just like waist beads and anklets.

Do you wear waist beads and/or anklets?

Nope. I do not. I am sure I will get waist beads though.

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From all the opinions, it seems many Nigerians are open to the thought of waist beads and anklets, especially the guys. Generally, though, Nigerians agree that waist beads are quite nice, even the ladies, but anklets are still questionable. 

What are your thoughts on waist beads and anklets? Do let us know in the comments section below.