African Trade Beads - Fancy Powder Glass Krobo Beads from Ghana

Introducing a beautiful strand of NEW powder glass African beads, meticulously crafted by the skilled artisans of Kroboland in Ghana, West Africa. These stunning beads are designed to imitate the intricate and timeless elegance of old Fancy Venetian glass trade beads.

• Strand Length: 24 1/2" (62 cm)
• Bead Size: 12 - 13 mm in diameter

Each bead is made from recycled bottles and other glass items, which are ground into powder and then molded into these exquisite beads. The entire process is 100% handmade, ensuring that each bead is a unique piece of art.

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

Elaborate Craftsmanship and Techniques

The people of Krobo in Ghana employ traditional techniques to produce these fancy glass beads. This process involves several meticulous steps:

Decoration

What sets these fancy beads apart is the 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, adding to their unique charm and beauty.

Firing

After decoration, 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 form. This process ensures durability and enhances the vividness of the colors and patterns.

Trade beads have a rich history and cultural significance in Ghana and throughout Africa. They were traditionally used for trade, as currency, and in various ceremonial contexts. Today, they continue to symbolize craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and artistic expression.

Discover more of our exquisite collections:

• Explore our New African Krobo Glass Beads Collection
• View our Archived African Made Beads Collection
• Watch How Krobo Beads Are Made