In Mali women pound the fragrant seed to powder. After sifting they add hot water to it and boil the mixture til thickened. The resultant paste is rolled into small round beads, punctured and left in the sun to dry. A rope of approx. 400 of these yellowis, h - tan beads are then strung together. Ten of these strands are tied together to form a belt that married women wear - usually under their clothes.