African Trade Beads: Recycled Glass Krobo Beads from Ghana

Discover the beauty and craftsmanship of our recycled glass beads, handmade by the talented artisans of Kroboland in Ghana, West Africa. These beads imitate the classic "Dutch Annular" glass trade beads, offering a blend of tradition and sustainability.

• Strand Length: 21" (53.5 cm)
• Bead Size: 11 mm in diameter

Each bead is meticulously crafted, showcasing the artisans' dedication to preserving their cultural heritage while promoting eco-friendly practices. The beads' translucent quality and unique variegated appearance come from using larger glass fragments, such as windows and other large glass pieces, in their creation.

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

The Craft of Krobo Beads

These recycled glass beads are made through a detailed and traditional process:

• Collection and Preparation: Glass bottles and other glass items are collected, cleaned, and broken into small fragments.
• Molding: The glass fragments are placed into clay molds, which determine the shape and size of the beads.
• Firing: The molds with glass fragments are fired at high temperatures, fusing the fragments together while preserving their original colors and translucency.
• Finishing: Once cooled, the beads are removed from the molds and polished to smooth out any rough edges.

These vibrant beads are not only visually stunning but also hold significant cultural importance in Ghanaian society, often used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and identity.

Explore more in our New African Krobo Glass Beads Collection, browse the Archives of African Made Beads, or watch how these incredible beads are made in this YouTube Video.