Beautiful 10mm Fancy African Trade Beads – Ghana Glass Beads

Discover the beauty of our new powder glass African beads, meticulously handcrafted by the skilled artisans of Kroboland in Ghana, West Africa. These stunning beads are designed to imitate the old Venetian fancy trade beads, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and vibrant designs.

• Strand Length: 25" (63.5 cm)
• Bead Size: 10 mm in diameter

Our beads are made from recycled bottles and other glass items, which are ground into powder and then molded into these beautiful beads. Each bead is 100% handmade, ensuring a unique touch in every strand.

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

Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

The people of Krobo in Ghana use a traditional technique to produce these fancy glass beads. The process begins with grinding recycled glass into a fine powder. This powder is then carefully poured into molds of various shapes and sizes. Once molded, the beads undergo a detailed decoration process, which sets them apart from other beads. Artisans utilize 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.

The decorated beads are then 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 appearance. The making of these beads is not only a testament to the artisans' skills but also an important cultural tradition that has been passed down through generations. These trade beads play a significant role in the cultural heritage and economy of Ghana and Africa at large.

Explore our collection of new African Krobo glass beads currently available for sale, or browse our archives of sold African-made beads. For a closer look at how Krobo beads are made, check out our YouTube video.