“Is It Appropriate for Me as a Non-Black Person to Wear Waistbeads?”

Waistbeads have a rich cultural history that dates back centuries across many African cultures. Traditionally, they have been worn for different reasons including femininity, spirituality, body awareness, adornment, rites of passage, intimacy, protection, and cultural identity.

In modern times, waistbeads have also taken on additional meanings and uses. Some people wear them for fashion, confidence, self-expression, manifestation, weight tracking, or simply because they feel connected to their beauty and symbolism.

We live in a globalised world where cultures, languages, histories, and traditions constantly interact and influence one another. Because of this, I personally believe waistbeads can be worn by anyone who genuinely connects with them. However, I also believe it is important to approach them with curiosity, respect, and understanding.

As a non-African person, my advice is:

• take time to research the history and meanings behind waistbeads,
• understand that they originate from African cultures,
• and where possible, support African makers, creators, and businesses that actively represent and preserve that culture.

When I first started making waistbeads, it was never intended to become a business. During lockdown, creating them became a way for me to reconnect with my culture and childhood memories.

Over two decades ago, when I came to Australia, my aunt gifted me beautiful waistbeads. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to keep them for long, as a parent did not appreciate or understand them and cut them off without my consent. Years later, I found myself reconnecting with that memory through buying beads from local craft stores, experimenting, and learning through online videos and community knowledge.

As the idea slowly evolved into Miju Jewellery, I faced a cultural dilemma:
Do I only make waistbeads accessible to fellow Africans who already share and understand this culture? Or do I share them more broadly with people who genuinely appreciate both their beauty and their cultural significance?

Eventually, I chose the latter and I have not looked back since.

What continues to reassure me that I made the right decision is when people come to my pop-ups or message me asking:
“Is it cultural appropriation if I wear waistbeads and I’m not African?”

That question alone often tells me a lot. It shows thoughtfulness, care, and a willingness to learn rather than simply consume.

My answer usually comes down to two things:

1. Have you taken the time to do some research and understand the cultural roots of waistbeads?
2. Are you supporting someone who represents the culture connected to the tradition you’re participating in?

If the answer is yes, then I believe there is space for you to respectfully participate in a long-standing tradition while also helping support the people and communities connected to it.

Thank you for all the love and support you continue to show my small business and my culture. I hope this helps answer the question a little more thoughtfully.