Writing By Khadijah Aliyu ; Editing By Godwin Duru
Waist beads, popularly known as jigida, have adorned the bodies of women for generations across Nigeria.
More than a simple accessory, these strings of colorful beads carry layers of meaning symbolic of beauty, identity, heritage, and even healing.
For many women, jigida is a cherished ornament believed to enhance feminine elegance and body structure.
Over the decades, the tradition has woven itself deeply into daily life, transcending age and social boundaries.
In Kano, the practice is embraced not only by women and young girls, but even extended to babies, where families use waist beads for cultural purposes.
During a visit to several communities in the state, Grassroots Nigeria sampled opinion of passionate wearers who continue to uphold the tradition.
Fatima Abdullahi recalls being introduced to waist beads at a very young age.
For Muhibbat Abdulsalam, the influence came from friends.
Another resident Saratu Bala shared that her grandmother buys waist beads for her regularly, insisting that the beads carry medicinal benefits passed down through generations.
At 80 years old, Hajiya Zainab Tukur has witnessed the evolution of jigida through decades of changing fashion.
Yet for her, the cultural foundation remains unchanged.
From the modern city to rural households, waist beads continue to glimmer beneath garments subtle, intimate symbols of identity and continuity.
As trends rise and fade, jigida remains, carrying with it the stories, beliefs, and pride of generations of Kano women.
Khadijah Aliyu
