A few days ago, I picked up my dad’s copy of “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe which he had given me sometime in January. As I read through, I came across something interesting. This is my third time of reading this book but my understanding of the story this time around took another dimension. I guess this is something that happens to us as we grow older and mature. Our level of understanding and manner of interpreting stories changes with time, perspective and experiences. That aside, what is this interesting thing I stumbled upon as I was reading?
Somewhere at the beginning of the book, a character named Anasi was vividly described by the author as follows; “Anasi was a middle-aged woman, tall and strongly built. There was authority in her bearing and she looked every inch the ruler of the womenfolk in a large and prosperous family. She wore the anklet of her husband’s titles, which the first wife alone could wear.” ANKLET?! Hmmm!
To further expand my knowledge about anklets, I branched into waist beads and multiple piercings along the way because these are things that are frowned upon by some parts of our societies here in Nigeria. From my research, I gathered that the origin of anklets, waist beads and piercings can be traced back to different African cultures. Anklets, for example, were worn by Egyptian women to show their marital status and they were also given as gifts by men to symbolize love. They also signified a woman’s social status or her fortunes. This is beautiful in my opinion.
Furthermore, waist beads have been worn for centuries by women in many West African cultures and are a symbol of femininity, fertility, sensuality and spiritual well being. Waist beads are also used to track weight gain and loss in the abdominal area.
Piercings on the other hand, date back to ancient Egypt. They were simply a fashion statement although some piercings in specific body parts were reserved for royalty. For example, the Pharaoh was the only one allowed to have a navel piercing. Interesting facts right?
Now, when did these aspects of our culture and heritage become associated with having poor or questionable morals, sorcery, witchcraft or juju? When did they become “inappropriate”? How did we get to this point in our history as a people?
To me, fashion is a form of self expression and a way of saying who I am before I speak. I strongly believe that people shouldn’t be judged based on their choice of jewelries given the fact that they are a part of our culture and heritage.
What are your views on anklets, waist beads and multiple piercings? Let’s have a conversation in the comment section below. I’d love to read your thoughts on this topic.
By the way, how are you doing? I have chosen to take life one day at a time and keep praying for the end of COVID-19. Let’s try as much as possible to spread faith, love and good cheer.
This too shall pass.
Wow, never knew there was some beautiful meaning to these things o, well for me I just do not like anything extra but I won’t judge anyone who I see using it.
Personally I am more of the necklace, bracelet and anklet kind of person but for piercing I don’t think I fancy not because I see anything bad in it but it’s just not my thing and I can’t judge those who do otherwise, tho I like waistbead but as we no get waist, lol, we will look away.
Nice article and I feel lots of people need to see it to change their mentality about these jewelries.
I’m glad you learned something new from this. Necklaces are number one for me! I’m not much of a bracelet person. “As we no get waist” cracked me up for real ?? Thanks for sharing, Rebecca. ?
Wow, this is lovely I must say….
I am the waist bead, anklet, piercing kinda girl and I love them. With this information I really do not care what people say anymore.
I think I need to go stock up on beautiful waist beads and anklets.???
Thank you Ogo
Thank you so much! ?
Yaay!! ?????? Go girl! Just do you.?
Well, jewelry! I am more of an earing person. Personally, waist beads, anklets and piercings are a no-no! As you have aptly shown, they all have their cultural significance. However, our “fall down and die” brand of Christianity has succeeded in demonizing everything….from animals to plants to especially jewelry.
In all, modesty is key! Keep it simple.
Earrings are also a personal favorite.
“Fall down and die brand of Christianity” ?? Yes, I agree with the fact that a lot of things have become demonized as a result of some religious teachings.
I enjoyed reading your comment. Thanks for sharing! ?
I actually do not like waist beads neither so I like piercing. Anklets for me, maybe…
But this is the first time seeing that these things really do have meanings.
Nice write up ogo
I like waist beads but it’s not something I can wear. I love seeing it on others.
I really appreciate your comment. 🥰
This one is particularly for me, I love all of them from rings to waist beads to anklets to piercings and even tattoos but our culture and society will not let someone be in peace….
Anyway, I’ll continue with my multiple rings, waist beads and anklets. Tattoos will join the day I gather enough liver 🤣
😂😂😂 Chisom! So bold and daring!! That’s the spirit, girl! 💛