Authentic African Trade Beads: 21" Recycled Glass Beads from Ghana

Enhance your jewelry collection with these exquisite NEW glass (fragments) African trade beads, handmade by the talented artisans of Kroboland, Ghana, West Africa. These beads are carefully crafted to imitate the historic "Dutch Annular" glass trade beads, offering a touch of history and authenticity to your designs.

• Strand Length: Approximately 21" (53 cm)
• Bead Size: Approximately 11 mm in diameter

Each bead is created from recycled glass fragments, placed into molds to achieve their beautiful shapes and sizes. This eco-friendly process not only produces stunning beads but also supports sustainable practices in bead making. The beads' translucent quality and unique variegated appearance are achieved through the use of larger glass fragments, resulting in a vibrant and intricate finish.

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

The Technique of Krobo Bead Making

In the Krobo region of Ghana, artisans employ a meticulous process to create these distinctive beads:

• 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, which determine the beads' shape and size.
• Firing: The molds are fired in a kiln at high temperatures, fusing the fragments without melting them completely, preserving their original colors and translucency.
• Finishing: Once cooled, the beads are removed from the molds and polished to smooth out any rough edges.

Krobo beads are not only beautiful but also culturally significant. They are used in various ceremonies and symbolize status and identity within Ghanaian society.

Explore more of our stunning collections:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads
• Archives of African Made Beads
• Watch how Krobos produce their beads