Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ lọmọ, kò gbudọ̀já

Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ lọmọ, kò gbudọ̀já
Translation: A child is (like) a strung waist bead; it must never break

Wearing waist beads is primarily famous amongst Yoruba women. To Yoruba women, waist beads are more than feminine symbols; beads play a significant romantic role in seduction. It serves as a sensual signal to potential male suitors. 

A woman would firmly string a waist bead to prevent it from breaking and scattering the dots in all directions while she is dancing or walking. This Yoruba proverb, "Ìlẹ̀kẹ̀ lọmọ, kò gbudọ̀já," compares a child to a waist bead. A mother should never allow her child to slide down her back or side.

She entirely and securely straps the child to her back or to her side (when the baby is feeding); she further supports the child by passing a strip of cloth under the child's buttocks and around herself to her front to hold the baby in place snugly.

The painting shows two Yoruba women securely strapping their babies on their sides.