African Trade Beads: Fused Recycled Glass Krobo Beads from Ghana

Explore the beauty and craftsmanship of our NEW African trade beads, made from recycled NEW tiny SEED glass beads by the skilled artisans of Kroboland / Krobo, Ghana (West Africa).

This stunning strand measures approximately 23 3/4" (60 cm) long, featuring beads with a diameter of about 13 mm.

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

The Craftsmanship of Fused Krobo Beads

Our Krobo beads are created using a unique technique that involves fusing small recycled glass beads to form larger, opaque beads. This traditional method, cherished in the Krobo region of Ghana, begins with the collection and preparation of tiny glass beads.

• Collection and Preparation: Small size glass beads are collected and cleaned, ensuring they are free from impurities.
• Molding: The tiny glass beads are placed into molds made from clay, which determine the shape and size of the larger beads.
• Fusing: The molds with the glass beads are placed in a kiln and fired at high temperatures. This fuses the small beads together to form larger, opaque beads without melting them completely.
• Finishing: Once cooled, the beads are removed from the molds and often polished or refined to smooth out any rough edges.

These beads are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. They hold significant cultural importance in Ghanaian society, often used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and identity.

Explore more in our collections:

• TribalGH's Collection of New African Krobo Glass Beads
• Archives: African Made Beads
• How Krobo Beads are Made - YouTube Video