In Africa waist beads were worn a symbol of womanhood, fertility, protection and spirituality. In history these beads are recorded to have been worn as early as the 15th century to serve many celebratory purposes. Ghanaian women use their waist beads to shape their waist. It is believed that the practice of wearing multiple waist beads over time will help to keep the waist small and accentuate the hips. Since traditional waist beads are strung on cotton cord (like my waist beads) they can be a good tool to measure weight gain and loss. They will not stretch; they will either break or continue to roll up the waist when weight has been gained. Similarly, they will roll down or eventually become so loose they will fall off when weight has been lost. They're for all women of all shapes, sizes, body types,any race and background. Wearing them is really a personal reflection and appreciation for your God-given beauty.