African Trade Beads - Fancy Powder Glass Krobo Beads 10mm

Discover the beauty of our African trade beads, crafted by the skilled artisans of Kroboland, Ghana. These stunning powder glass beads are made from recycled glass bottles and other glass items, embodying both sustainability and artistic tradition. The strand is approximately 24" (61 cm) long and features beads that are approximately 10 mm in diameter.

• Strand Length: 24" (61 cm)
• Bead Size: 10 mm in diameter

These beads are 100% handmade, ensuring that each piece is unique and of the highest quality. YOUR STRAND WILL BE IDENTICAL TO THE STRAND SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH (GIVEN NORMAL VARIATION SINCE THESE BEADS ARE ALL COMPLETELY HANDMADE).

Technique and Craftsmanship

The creation of these fancy glass beads involves a meticulous process rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Krobo people. The recycled glass is ground into a fine powder, which is then carefully placed into molds. These molds are heated in kilns, where high temperatures fuse the glass powder, solidifying the beads into their final form.

Decoration

What sets fancy beads apart is their detailed decoration process. Artisans use a combination of glass fragments, powdered glass, and natural dyes to create intricate patterns and vibrant designs. They may use metal or wooden tools to etch or paint detailed motifs onto the beads, resulting in stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Firing

Once decorated, the beads are fired in a kiln. The high temperatures fuse the glass powder and set the designs in place, giving the beads their final, beautiful form.

Importance of Trade Beads

Trade beads have played a significant role in African history, particularly in Ghana. They were once used as a form of currency and are now cherished for their cultural and artistic value. Our beads not only reflect this rich history but also support the continuation of traditional bead-making practices in Kroboland.

Explore more of our exquisite New African Krobo Glass Beads collection, browse our Archives of African Made Beads, or watch how these beautiful beads are made in our YouTube video.