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Old African Powder Glass Trade Beads | Ghana Recycled Krobo Beads
Old African Powder Glass Trade Beads | Ghana Recycled Krobo Beads
Immerse yourself in African heritage with this authentic strand of old Powder Glass Trade Beads handcrafted by the Krobo people of Ghana, West Africa. These beautiful beads were created using centuries-old bead-making traditions, representing the spirit of African artistry and sustainability through recycling.
Each bead is made from finely ground recycled glass bottles and jars, transformed into exquisite multicolored glass beads through the age-old "core design" technique. These Ghanaian Krobo beads display an earthy blend of rustic tones—muted blues, greens, browns, and creams—that speak to their traditional roots and natural origin.
- Strand Length: 30.5 inches (77.5 cm)
- Bead Size: Approximately 7 mm in diameter
These old African trade beads date back to the early 1900s and were once used as currency and in ceremonial exchanges across West Africa. They are perfect for collectors, jewelry designers, or anyone who appreciates the rich story behind traditional African craftsmanship.
About the Technique:
The Krobo people of Ghana continue to preserve a unique method of bead-making that involves crushing recycled glass into powder, placing it into hand-shaped clay molds, and decorating the surface with dyes before firing. This specific strand is an example of the "core design" powder glass bead technique, where a leaf or cassava stalk is inserted to form a hole. The molds are then fired in kilns fueled by organic materials, leaving behind stunning, eco-friendly beads.
Powder glass beads—also known as recycled glass beads, Krobo beads, sandcast beads, and Old Gashi beads—are a cultural symbol of identity and wealth, central to the history of African trade and adornment.
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