Skip to product information
1 of 3

Tribalgh

Annular African Trade Beads - Recycled Glass Beads from Ghana

Annular African Trade Beads - Recycled Glass Beads from Ghana

Regular price $13.45 USD
Regular price Sale price $13.45 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

34 in stock

Item number:

SKU:SB-40133

Check shipping cost

Standard shipping cost for this item is $ 6.95.
Insured "AIR MAIL" anywhere in the world.
Delivery time for Europe is 7-14 working days.
Delivery time for USA and the rest of the World is 14-21 working days.
We combine shipping on multiple purchases!

DHL option available for faster delivery ( 2 - 4 working days ) to all over the world.
During your checkout you will be able to see cost and select DHL option.

FREE upgrade to DHL for orders over $ 200.

Discover the beauty of our NEW glass fragment African beads, meticulously crafted by the talented artisans of Kroboland in Ghana, West Africa. These exquisite beads are designed to imitate the historic "Dutch Annular" glass trade beads, showcasing a rich tradition of bead-making.

  • Strand length: 21 1/4" (54 cm)
  • Bead size: 11 - 12 mm in diameter

Our beads are made from carefully selected glass fragments, which are cleaned, broken into smaller pieces, and then placed into clay molds. These molds shape the beads, which are then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This process fuses the glass fragments together, creating beautiful, translucent beads with unique, variegated patterns. Each bead is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Krobo people.

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

About Krobo Bead-Making Techniques

The Krobo people of Ghana are renowned for their bead-making techniques, particularly the use of recycled glass. Unlike powdered glass techniques that result in opaque beads, the use of larger glass fragments allows for the creation of more translucent beads with a distinctive appearance. The process includes:

  • Collection and Preparation: Glass bottles and other items are collected, cleaned, and broken into small fragments.
  • Molding: The glass fragments are placed into clay molds to determine the shape and size of the beads.
  • Firing: The molds are placed in a kiln and fired at high temperatures, fusing the glass fragments together while preserving some of their original colors and translucency.
  • Finishing: Once cooled, the beads are removed from the molds and often polished or refined to smooth any rough edges.

These beads are not only beautiful but also carry cultural significance in Ghanaian society, often used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and identity.

Explore our collection of New African Krobo Glass Beads currently available for sale, or visit our archives of other African-made beads. To learn more about the fascinating bead-making process, watch this video on YouTube.

View full details