African Trade Beads: Fancy Powder Glass from Ghana

Discover the vibrant beauty of our Fancy Powder Glass Beads, handcrafted by the skilled artisans of Kroboland, Ghana. These exquisite beads are meticulously made to imitate the old Venetian fancy trade beads, adding a touch of history and elegance to your jewelry designs.

• Strand Length: Approximately 25 1/2" (64.5 cm)
• Bead Size: 11 - 12 mm in diameter

Each bead is crafted from recycled glass bottles and other glass items, which are ground into a fine powder and then carefully molded to create these stunning beads. The process reflects a commitment to sustainability and the preservation of traditional techniques.

YOUR STRAND WILL BE IDENTICAL TO THE STRAND SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH (GIVEN NORMAL VARIATION SINCE THESE BEADS ARE ALL COMPLETELY HANDMADE).

The Art of Krobo Bead Making

The people of Kroboland in Ghana have perfected the art of bead making over generations. Using a blend of recycled glass fragments and powdered glass, artisans shape each bead by hand, infusing each one with unique patterns and vibrant colors through natural dyes.

Decoration

What sets these fancy beads apart is their intricate decoration process. Artisans use a mix of glass fragments, powdered glass, and natural dyes to create stunning patterns and vibrant designs. They may employ metal or wooden tools to etch or paint detailed motifs onto the beads, ensuring each bead is a work of art.

Firing

After decorating, the beads are fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This step fuses the glass powder, setting the designs in place and giving the beads their final, polished form.

Trade beads have played a significant role in Ghanaian and African culture, serving not only as currency but also as symbols of identity and craftsmanship. Our beads honor this rich tradition, offering you a piece of African heritage with every strand.

Explore more of our beautiful beads:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads Collection
• African Made Beads Archives
• Watch How Krobo Beads Are Made