African Trade Beads - Fancy Powder Glass Beads, 9mm, 26" Strand

Introducing a stunning strand of NEW powder glass African beads, meticulously handcrafted by the talented artisans of Kroboland, Ghana, West Africa. These exquisite beads imitate the intricate designs of old Venetian fancy trade beads, bringing a touch of history and elegance to your collection.

• Strand Length: 26 1/4" (67 cm)
• Bead Size: 9 mm in diameter

Each bead is crafted from recycled bottles and other glass items, ground into a fine powder and then molded to create these beautiful beads. The process is entirely manual, showcasing the remarkable skill and dedication of the Krobo artisans. 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 Beadmaking

The people of Kroboland use a unique technique to produce these fancy glass beads. The process begins with crushing recycled glass into a fine powder. This powder is then carefully poured into molds of various shapes and sizes. Natural dyes and glass fragments are added to create intricate patterns and vibrant designs. The artisans use metal or wooden tools to etch or paint detailed motifs onto the beads, adding a distinctive decorative touch.

Once decorated, the beads are fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This firing process fuses the glass powder and sets the designs in place, giving the beads their final form and brilliant finish. The art of beadmaking is an important cultural tradition in Ghana and across Africa, symbolizing trade, connection, and craftsmanship.

Explore more from our collection:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads Collection
• Archives of Sold African Made Beads
• Watch How Krobo Beads are Made