African Trade Beads - Venetian Eye Style Powder Glass Beads

Experience the charm of African artistry with this exquisite strand of powder glass beads, handcrafted by the talented artisans of Kroboland, Ghana (West Africa). Designed to imitate the iconic old Venetian eye trade beads, this strand is a masterpiece of tradition and sustainability.

• Strand Length: Approximately 26" (66 cm) of beads
• Bead Size: Approximately 11 mm in diameter

These beads are made from recycled glass, including bottles and other discarded glass items, which are ground into powder. The powdered glass is carefully placed into molds and fired in kilns to form these beautiful beads. Each bead is 100% handmade, showcasing the dedication and skill of Ghanaian artisans.

Decoration Process: What sets these Venetian eye-style beads apart is the intricate decoration. Krobo artisans use glass fragments and powdered glass, combined with natural dyes, to craft vibrant patterns. Detailed motifs are etched or painted onto the beads using fine tools, enhancing their unique character.

Firing Process: After decoration, the beads are fired in kilns at high temperatures. This process fuses the glass powder, setting the designs permanently and giving the beads their smooth, polished finish.

Powder glass beads like these hold great cultural significance in Ghana and across Africa. Historically, trade beads have been symbols of wealth, status, and tradition, playing a vital role in African heritage.

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

Explore more of TribalGH's stunning bead collections:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads
• Archives of African Made Beads
• Watch How Krobo Beads Are Made