African Trade Beads - Fancy Powder Glass Beads from Ghana (9mm)

Experience the vibrant history of African artistry with this stunning strand of fancy powder glass beads. Handmade by skilled artisans in Kroboland, Ghana (West Africa), these exquisite beads are inspired by traditional Venetian fancy trade beads. Each strand is carefully crafted using sustainable methods, making it both a beautiful and eco-conscious choice for your collection.

• Length of Strand: Approximately 27 inches (70 cm).
• Bead Size: Approximately 9 mm in diameter.

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

Artisanal Craftsmanship and Sustainability:

These beads are crafted using recycled bottles and other discarded glass items, which are ground into powder. The powdered glass is then carefully placed into molds to form each bead. This sustainable practice not only breathes new life into discarded materials but also preserves the rich cultural heritage of bead-making in Ghana.

Decoration:

What makes these fancy beads truly unique is the intricate decoration process. Artisans use a combination of glass fragments, powdered glass, and natural pigments to create vibrant designs. Using delicate tools, such as metal or wooden styluses, they etch or paint intricate motifs onto the surface. The result is a breathtaking array of colors and patterns, each bead a tiny work of art.

Firing:

Once decorated, the beads are fired in traditional clay kilns at high temperatures. This process fuses the glass powder and fixes the designs permanently, giving the beads their lustrous finish and durability.

Trade Beads and African Culture:

Krobo beads are more than just decorative—they are a testament to the enduring legacy of African trade beads. Historically, these beads played a crucial role in trade across Africa, symbolizing wealth, status, and cultural identity. Today, they continue to serve as a vibrant expression of African artistry and tradition.

Discover more of our beautiful handmade beads:

• Explore the latest African Krobo glass beads: New African Krobo Glass Beads Collection.
• Browse our archived collection of sold African beads: Archives of African Beads.
• Learn about Krobo bead-making in this YouTube video (opens in a new window).

Embrace the beauty and history of African trade beads with this one-of-a-kind strand from TribalGH