Waist beads and magic. In Ghana and other parts of West Africa, women traditionally added charms and fragrant oils to lure suitors or protect themselves against negative energy.

With waist beads ranging in cost from $11 per strand to $28 per strand, Fofana’s job is to tell customers how Ghanaian bead traditions are done, but not force others how to wear them.

Glass Beads of Ghana. Where: Newark Museum, 49 Washington St., Newark. When: Through June 15, 2009. Noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and ...

Since time immemorial, several tribes in Ghana notably Ewes, Krobos, Ga-Adangbes and Ashantis have used waist beads to shape children and women and also used these beads as accessories. For some ...

Krobo, Ghana (CNN)-- A new generation of Ghanaians are rediscovering their heritage -- and rediscovering the appeal of traditional beads. Many Ghanaians used to associate beads with an old ...

Ndeya Berryman makes waist beads in the living room of her East Palo Alto, Calif. home on Friday, July 27, 2012. African waist beads are becoming more popular with women of all ethnicities, ages ...

From stunning crystals to beaded jewels, women around the world have been wearing waist beads as a fashion statement and ...

In Ghana, waist beads were nicknamed Jel-Jelli, Jigida, Giri-Giri, Djalay Djalay and Yomba. They were worn by girls to help form their bodies into shape.

The waist bead in particular, has consistently been a generational unique feminine accessory, that has gained popularity in lovemaking, with many men finding them attractive and stimulating.

In Ghana, waist beads were nicknamed Jel-Jelli, Jigida, Giri-Giri, Djalay Djalay and Yomba. They were worn by girls to help form their bodies into shape.

A new generation of Ghanaians are rediscovering their heritage -- and rediscovering the appeal of traditional beads. Many Ghanaians used to associate beads with an old-fashioned coming-of-age ...