Soréya Dalé, a 25-year-old from Côte d'Ivoire, carries the traditions of her Baoulé and Gouro heritage with grace and pride. Known as "Baya" in her culture, waist beads have been part of Soréya’s life since birth, serving as a symbol of identity, spirituality, and connection to her roots. In this conversation, she shares how waist beads evolved from a childhood custom to a cherished, deeply personal ritual.
Early Memories and Cultural Significance
Soréya’s relationship with waist beads began as early as four years old, though her mother had adorned her with them from birth. In her early years, these beads looked different from the colorful strands often seen today. “I remember wearing waist beads as early as four years old. They were made of animal leather, pieces of cloth, and other organic materials,” she recalls. “These kinds of waist ornaments are typically used for babies or children in my culture, for health, weight monitoring, and protection.” When she turned seven, Soréya transitioned to more traditional beads, marking a new phase in her connection to this cultural practice.
Adolescent Years and Growing Awareness
As she grew older, Soréya began to see her waist beads as more than childhood adornments. “Growing up, waist beads made me feel like my body was forever decorated,” she shares. “As a teenager, I thought they looked pretty, and they also felt spiritual, even though I didn’t quite understand why.” Her family told her that waist beads would protect her female energy and boost her confidence. Though she may not have fully grasped their significance at the time, the beads had already begun to shape her sense of self.
The Spiritual Role of Waist Beads
Today, Soréya considers her waist beads as spiritual tools, using them to reconnect with her essence and female energy. She turns to them during moments of self-reflection, a practice that has grown into a deeply personal ritual. “I only wear them and call on them when I’m losing touch with my female energy. They remind me of my essence, my origins, and my purpose,” she explains, underscoring the role of waist beads as both a grounding force and a symbol of her spirituality.
"Today, I consider waist beads my spiritual catharsis. They remind me of my essence, my origins, and my purpose."
Family Influence and Cultural Dynamics
While Soréya’s mother and aunts introduced her to waist beads, they did not wear them themselves, largely due to their Christian beliefs. “My mother and aunts had no interest in participating because they probably felt they were ‘sinning,’” Soréya shares, explaining that her exposure to waist beads largely came from female friends, particularly those who were Muslim. “I am grateful for having been introduced to them, but I’ve had to find my own way to embrace them fully,” she reflects, speaking to the broader cultural dynamics she navigated growing up.
"Growing up, the women in my life weirdly did not associate with waist beads. I believe it was because they were all Christian, and in a way rejected that part of African spirituality."
Personal Preferences and Connection to Nature
Soréya’s waist bead choices are an expression of both personal taste and a connection to the natural world. She favors light-colored strands adorned with charms made of seashells, animal leather, and other organic materials. “Waist beads that contain pieces of the earth make me feel one with nature,” she says, adding that she finds meaning in wearing beads that connect her to the strength and beauty of her environment.
Symbolism of Waist Beads in Côte d'Ivoire
In her culture, waist beads embody layers of symbolism. They represent not only feminine strength and protection but also spiritual enlightenment. “In my culture, women who wear waist beads are often subconsciously feared but also sought after,” Soréya explains. “The beads mean they have reached or are working towards their enlightenment.” For her, the beads serve as a quiet declaration of identity—a mark of both strength and a journey toward self-knowledge.
Current Relationship with Waist Beads
Recently, after nearly a year without them, Soréya returned to wearing waist beads, sensing she needed their grounding influence. “Some might call it placebo, but I feel an energy shift every time I go back to my waist beads,” she reflects. For her, the act of wearing them is an invitation to reconnect with her roots, her values, and her sense of self.
Quick-Fire Round:
- Clasped or Tie-On? “Clasped.”
- Thin or Chunky Strands? “Thin strands always.”
- Charms or No Charms? “Charms! Especially organic ones.”
- Visible or Hidden? “Hidden for the most part, but sometimes they just peek through, and that’s okay.”
- Natural Break or Removal? “I have broken many naturally growing up, but now I prefer the option of being able to remove them when needed.”
Thoughts on Cultural Appropriation
As waist beads gain popularity globally, Soréya hopes that people respect their cultural origins. “I believe every person who decides they want waist beads must be educated on the subject in order to really embrace their energy,” she says. For Soréya, the significance of waist beads lies in the understanding and intention behind them, rather than their aesthetic alone.
"I believe every person who decides they want waist beads must be educated on the subject in order to really embrace their energy."
Through her lifelong relationship with waist beads, Soréya has woven together her heritage, her spirituality, and her sense of self. For her, these adornments are a celebration of culture and femininity—a legacy she carries proudly as she moves forward on her journey of self-discovery.
Want to keep up with Soréya’s journey? Follow her on Instagram at @soreyart and dive into her world of art, DIY, and self-discovery.