African Trade Beads: Krobo Recycled Glass Beads 8-14mm Strand

Handmade African Trade Beads – Krobo Recycled Glass Beads Strand

This stunning 27" strand of Krobo glass beads is handcrafted in Ghana, West Africa by the skilled artisans of Kroboland. Each bead is made by hand using ancient African bead-making traditions, imitating the vibrant and collectible patterns of old Venetian fancy trade beads.

These recycled glass beads are produced using sustainable practices locally collected glass bottles and jars are ground into a fine powder, placed into clay molds, and fired in traditional kilns. The result is a colorful, one-of-a-kind piece of African art that pays homage to centuries of trade and cultural exchange.

• Length of Strand: 27 inches (68.5 cm)
• Bead Size: 8–14 mm

Each strand is unique and perfect for creating ethnic jewelry, adding to bead collections, or as a meaningful gift that supports traditional artisanship.

Traditional Ghanaian Glass Bead-Making

The Krobo people of Ghana have mastered the art of making beads from recycled glass for generations. The technique begins by crushing discarded bottles and other glass items into powder. This powder is then carefully poured into hand-carved clay molds, sometimes with added dyes or inclusions for color. The molds are fired in kilns fueled by sustainable materials, fusing the glass into beautiful beads. After cooling, each bead is washed, polished, and strung by hand.

In Ghana, glass trade beads are not only decorative but hold deep cultural meaning used in ceremonies, as currency, and as storytelling elements throughout Africa's long trading history. Today, they continue to carry the rich legacy of African identity and craftsmanship.

👉 Discover more in our collection of New African Krobo Glass Beads.

✨ Explore the Archives of African Made Beads to see our previously sold treasures.

🎥 See how Krobo artisans create these amazing beads in our YouTube video.