Tribalgh

African Trade Beads 26.5" – Krobo Powder Glass Beads Ghana

Handmade African Trade Beads – Krobo Glass Beads from Ghana (26.5" Strand)

Discover the beauty of Krobo glass and brass beads with this vibrant strand of handmade African trade beads from the heart of Ghana, West Africa. These recycled glass beads are a modern reinterpretation of antique Venetian fancy trade beads, made by the skilled artisans of Kroboland.

Length of strand: 26.5" (67 cm)
Bead size: 9 mm – 22 mm

Each bead is crafted using 100% recycled glass, such as bottles and broken glassware, that are ground into powder and transformed through traditional methods. The powdered glass is carefully placed into handmade clay molds and fired in kilns, a time-honored process that brings new life to discarded materials and transforms them into wearable art.

These colorful beads not only capture the spirit of African heritage and design but also honor the legacy of centuries-old African trade bead culture. They are ideal for jewelry making, collection, or display.

🌍 The Art of Krobo Beadmaking

In Kroboland, beadmaking is both a tradition and a livelihood. The Krobo people of Ghana have perfected the art of transforming recycled glass into stunning powder glass beads using centuries-old techniques. Crushed glass is poured into custom clay molds, detailed with patterns and colors, and baked in specialized outdoor kilns. Each bead carries a story crafted by hand, fired with care, and infused with cultural meaning.

African trade beads like these have long served as currency, identity markers, and symbols of prestige across West Africa. Today, they continue to represent a powerful blend of sustainability, history, and artistic expression.

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