Handmade African Trade Beads - Fused Recycled Glass Krobo Beads

A beautiful matching strand of new African beads, made from new recycled glass fused seed beads by the people of Kroboland (Ghana, West Africa).

• Strand Length: 21 1/2" (54.5 cm)
• Bead Size: 10 mm in diameter

The beads are 100% handmade. YOUR STRAND WILL BE IDENTICAL TO THE STRAND SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH (GIVEN NORMAL VARIATION SINCE THESE BEADS ARE ALL COMPLETELY HANDMADE).

These exquisite beads are meticulously crafted by artisans in the Krobo region of Ghana using small recycled glass beads as raw materials. This technique results in larger, fused beads with a unique, often variegated appearance.

Technique and Cultural Significance

The creation of Krobo fused beads involves several key steps:

• Collection and Preparation: Small glass beads are collected and cleaned.
• Molding: The small glass beads are placed into clay molds, which determine the shape and size of the larger beads.
• Firing: The molds with the small glass beads are placed in a kiln and fired at high temperatures. This fuses the beads together, preserving some of their original colors and translucency.
• Finishing: Once cooled, the beads are removed from the molds and often polished or refined to smooth out any rough edges.

These beads are notable for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. They hold significant cultural importance in Ghanaian society, often used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and identity.

Explore more of our collections:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads
• Archived African Made Beads
• How Krobo Beads Are Made (Video)