African Trade Beads - Fancy Powder Glass Krobo Beads, 12mm

Discover the beauty of African trade beads with this exquisite strand of NEW fancy powder glass beads, handcrafted by skilled artisans in Kroboland, Ghana. These beads, imitating the classic Venetian fancy trade beads, offer a unique blend of tradition and artistry.

• Strand Length: 24" (61 cm)
• Bead Size: 12 mm in diameter

Each bead is meticulously made from recycled glass bottles and other glass items, which are ground into powder and molded to create these stunning beads. This sustainable process not only produces beautiful beads but also contributes to environmental conservation.

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

Technique and Tradition

The people of Krobo in Ghana use age-old techniques to produce these fancy glass beads. The process begins with collecting and pulverizing recycled glass. The powdered glass is then carefully placed into molds and decorated with intricate patterns. Natural dyes and colored glass fragments are used to achieve vibrant designs, which are often etched or painted using metal or wooden tools.

Decoration

What sets these fancy beads apart is their detailed decoration process. Artisans employ a combination of glass fragments, powdered glass, and natural dyes to create intricate patterns and vibrant designs. Using metal or wooden tools, they etch or paint detailed motifs onto the beads, ensuring each bead is a unique piece of art.

Firing

Once decorated, the beads are fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This process fuses the glass powder and sets the designs in place, giving the beads their final form. The result is a durable, beautiful bead that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Krobo bead-making.

Trade beads like these have a significant place in Ghanaian and African history, often used in ceremonies, as currency, and for decorative purposes. Each bead tells a story of craftsmanship, tradition, and cultural pride.

Explore more of TribalGH's stunning bead collections:

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