My name is Moon. I have been making and selling waist beads for 12 years and I never grow tired of it. I harness the power of crystal gemstones and African and Egyptian symbols to make my waist beads potent and unique.
I was introduced to waist beads a little over a decade ago by Queen Afua, the renowned healer, author and Sacred Woman from Brooklyn. She explained that almost every country in Africa has a tradition of assigning various meanings to this adornment.
In her book, Sacred Woman, Queen Afua writes that among some nations waist beads were given to young girls at puberty by their older kinswomen as a symbol of her womanhood and power. “They were used only for lovemaking; only a woman’s husband saw these beads… after death they [were] laid in her coffin along with the rest of her clothing required for proper burial.”
Through the ages, the color of the beads or the pattern of beadwork may signify a woman’s status as a maiden, mother, widow or elder. Waist beads were always on her, protecting the wearer during menstruation, courtship and childbirth.
A QUEEN’S GIRDLE
Under Queen Afua’s gentle instruction I created my first waist beads, and since then, I have never been without a string of beads, pearls, or gemstones around my hips. Like cornrows, bangles, spicy food and the drumbeat, waist beads are another aspect of our culture that just feels right.They are a continual affirmation of the beauty of my body and my heritage. I felt their gentle positive influence during times of stress, in hostile corporate environments and when I was unwell. They always remind me of how much we women have endured and how we have persevered, keeping our dignity and divine power.
HOW TO WEAR WRAP AND SOUL WAISTBEADS:
ALL WRAP AND SOUL WAISTBEADS ONLY $30.00 EACH!
Your WRAP AND SOUL waist beads are made up of a belt and a chain. The belt is the string of seedbeads, crystals or semi-precious gems and beads. Each gem or crystal exudes a powerful energy. Pewter beads, meaningful charms and symbols on the belt are also a hallmark of Wrap and Soul. They are strung on a soft coated wire that is tested to hold up under 100 pounds of tension. Attached to one end of the belt is six inches of chain. The lobster claw clasp on the other end of the belt can hook onto the any link of the chain giving you the option of making it tighter or looser depending on where you want your beads to hang on your body.
WE LOVE BELLIES
The most comfortable way of wearing waist beads is under your belly, about where bikini panties would sit on your hips. Most waist beads women wear their beads traditionally, under their clothes against their skin. It’s worth mentioning here that Wrap and Soul waist beads are designed to withstand the friction clothing, yet remain comfortable against your skin.
Some women may wear them over their clothes, to adorn a long skirt or dress or against their skin while wearing a cropped top or low -rise jeans.
However, waist beads are not about not about whether or not you have a flat stomach or six-pack abs. They are not about highlighting the thickness of your waist or the bulge of your belly or span of your hips.
Waist beads have a completely different energy. They tell the story of your womb. They remind you that the curve of your hips and belly are what makes you a woman. They also tell the tale of the daughters of the African Diaspora- of traditions lost and then recaptured. They symbolize the beauty of women who soar.
WHEN TO WEAR YOUR WAIST BEADS
WRAP AND SOUL waist beads can be worn all the time, day and night, as long as you have no allergies. Make sure the findings, made from base metal or pewter, and the stones and gem chips cause no skin reactions. I also scout antique shops for vintage beads, so you may have a very old unique adornment on your waist beads. But if everything is fine, you can even shower with your beads on. Soap can sometimes coat and dull the beads, but if that happens simply take them off, rinse with clear water and buff back to their original sparkle with a soft cloth.
CLEAR YOUR CRYSTALS
Some wearers believe that “clearing” the gemstones before wearing them removes any residual negative energy from previous handlers. To “clear” your WRAP AND SOUL waist beads, leave outside in direct sunlight or moonlight for 24 hours.
REMINDER
WRAP AND SOUL waist beads are one-of-a-kind. If the clasp or chain breaks, we can repair for it for a small fee. However, if the belt breaks it cannot be repaired. The most common way the belt breaks is in a bathroom scenario- that is, the wearer needs to use the bathroom urgently, goes to pull down her underwear and inadvertently hooks her thumb into the beads- and yanks- breaking the wire and busting the belt.
Browse for your African waist beads at Wrap and Soul.
OUR SECRET TOPS VICTORIA’S
Our grandmothers were on to something. They knew what they were doing… Wearing waist beads is sexier than being totally nude. Ask any woman who wears them…Better yet, ask her man. Can I get an Amen?
Peace,
Moon
Happy New Day Moon!
Although our waistbead designs our your story is almost identical to mine, I love synchronicity! :0) We met the Oshun Festival this summer, I look forward to sharing with you soon.
Love & Delight
Milayo Negesti
Thank you so much. The journey women take to discover waistbeads is always fascinating. So glad to hear you were one of the bright spirits I connected with at the Festival. I always have a good time there and you contributed to that. Hope we meet again soon.
i love it
Every time when I have no inspiration to write something, I always love to search for other’s post to read. This is a great way to enlagre your imagination. Thanks for blogger.
Do you continue to make this art and if so where can I find you to see your line?.
Thank,
Sebastian
I want some
Could you make me some
Please check out my site, etsy.com/shop/wrapandsoul
Thanks
Moon
Htp. How can i go about getting a pair of the mother to be waiste beads?
Hotep: I love making waistbeads for pregnant women! Please send me an email at wrapandsoul@gmail.com with the details. We can design something together. Check out my shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/wrapandsoul for design ideas. Thanks for checking in on me!
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Best of luck for the next!
Hi Moon! Very beautiful sister. I am getting married in two weeks. My husband is from Benin But presently lives in South Africa where we will have Our ceremony. I would love to surprise him With some of your beads I think I should adorn myself neck, waist, wrist and ankles…. What do you think… Oh also he is from the Yoruba tribe And quite naturally is fluent in French
Hey Gigi: It will be difficult to get them to South Africa with such short notice. However, you can email me at wrapandsoul@gmail.com and we can discuss options. Thanks for checking me out!
I love my waist beads. It’s Forever for me. Not taking it off! It’s my religion. I look at myself every time I get a chance in the mirror – just to catch a glimpse of it
I am so on love with my waistbeads!!!! I can literally feel the love and intention put in to this jewelry!! Moon you are amazing!! I will be back for more and I will be sending people to come experience GREATNESS!!!!!!!
It was my pleasure meeting the real women of Atlanta. I so enjoyed your event. Thank you for you all for your kind words, you’re the best! Please let me know of any other events you have – the energy was off-the-chain!
Peace to you all, Moon
Moon’s spirit is so fill of light and comfort. I simply LOOOOOOOVE my waist beads. You must get yours and begin to feel full of light as well! Love you Moon and thanks for gracing The Real Women of Atlanta’s first event!!
Thank you sis!
Hi Moon! It was so wonderful to meet you on Saturday! I just wanted to let you know that I am LOVING the energy that my waistbeads bring! They are super comfortable and sexy as well! Thank you so very much for the wonderful product and great customer service! Xoxo!
I got bracelets
I love them
Thanks
Moon
From Karen aka KOKO
You’re welcome sis!
Can you ship to oklahoma ?
Absolutely! I ship all over the United States and the world! To see my latest work go to Etsy.com/shop/wrapandsoul
I look forward to hearing from you!
Peace,
Moon
How do you measure size for a good fit?
Hi Sandi:
In my “announcements” section of my shop. etsy.com/shop/wrapandsoul, I share that information. Please check it out. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!
I met you at the RWOA outing. I would like to visit you so I can purchase my 16 yr old her 1st waistbeads.
Stacy
Great read! Always nice to see others who embrace and continue with this tradition! http://www.exoticbodybeads.com
Great read! Lets continue with the good work of African beaded jewelry design! http://www.exoticbodybeads.com
Hi there. I am wondering if you can help me resolve my waist bead issue.
I just made my first one and once i put it on i was so disappointed as it pinches the tiny hairs on my body. I am wondering is there are certain beads you use and certain beads you dont use. The ones i used are matt black from preciosa czech beada (traditionalczechbeads.com).
Thanks so much
Hey Shaney: Sorry for the delayed response. I use traditional glass seed beads. These are the beads used in traditional African waistbeads and I have never heard of that complaint! Good luck on your waist beads journey.
Hi I’m interested in purchasing waist beads
Hi thanks for checking me out! My waistbeads are on sale at etsy.com/shop/wrapandsoul
I look forward to hearing from you!
Peace,
Moon