Waistbeads have their roots anchored in Africa and overlap with Egypt as well. Also known as belly chains, waist beads came into existence around the 15th century as a status symbol. The natives had different views about its uses and miracles. 
Traditional African women used to wear them often on their bare skin for purposes ranging from beauty, health, and weight tracking. Egyptian women wore them to allure men while belly dancing. Sometimes scented, women used them to allure their partners since they also signified their sexuality. 
They were also thought to have some healing powers. When used with stones, waist beads were the means of spiritual healing as well.  Today, waist beads have regained new polularity and are used for a wide array of uses and meanings.