Tribalgh

LARGE Recycled Venetian Millefiori Glass Trade Bead - Ghana

LARGE Recycled Venetian Millefiori & Chevron Glass Trade Bead - Handmade in Ghana

Discover the beauty of authentic African artistry with this stunning recycled glass bead, skillfully crafted by the talented artisans of Kroboland in Ghana, West Africa. Made from old Venetian millefiori, fancy chevron, and other vintage trade beads, this piece is a testament to the timeless tradition of upcycling and craftsmanship.

Bead Size: 29 x 29 mm

This bead's vibrant patterns and intricate design reflect the rich history and culture of African trade beads, which have been symbols of trade, status, and artistry for centuries. By using these vintage elements, the Krobo artisans give new life to old treasures, creating beads that are not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.

The Art of Fused Glass Bead-Making in Ghana

The artisans of Kroboland employ a unique fused glass bead-making technique to create these stunning beads. Instead of crushed glass, they use whole seed beads, placing them into molds carefully shaped to achieve the desired size and design. These molds are then heated in traditional firewood kilns to high temperatures, allowing the smaller beads to fuse into a single, cohesive piece.

This labor-intensive process reflects the ingenuity and skill of the Krobo people, whose bead-making heritage dates back centuries. Trade beads have played an integral role in Ghanaian culture, serving not only as currency but also as meaningful gifts and status symbols. Today, these beads continue to connect the past with the present, celebrating African traditions while promoting sustainable practices.

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