Tribalgh
Rare Old Authentic Akoso Powder Glass Beads with Venetian Green Hearts
Rare Old Authentic Akoso Powder Glass Beads with Venetian Green Hearts
Four Rare Old Authentic Akoso Powder Glass Beads – Venetian Green Heart Inlay
Discover the beauty and history of these exceptional Akoso glass beads, crafted by the Krobo people of Ghana in the late 1800s–early 1900s. Each bead features a stunning Venetian green heart inlay, showcasing expert craftsmanship and centuries-old tradition.
- Length: 17–18 mm
- Diameter: 12 mm
- Condition: Very good, beveled edges as shown in photos
Once highly prized in the African trade beads market, these powder glass beads played a vital role in trans-Saharan and coastal trade networks. Venetian artisans even attempted replicas of these iconic beads, drawn to their unique aesthetic and cultural value.
Technique and Cultural Importance of Akoso Beads
The Krobo people of Ghana perfected a labor‑intensive technique to create powder glass beads. They crushed recycled glass into a fine powder, packed it into clay molds, and fired it in outdoor kilns. This process produced beads with rich texture and vivid colors. The inserted glass heart often in Venetian green, was embedded during firing, creating a durable and beautiful focal point.
These old Ghana powder glass beads held deep cultural significance, used not only as trade currency but also in rites of passage, spiritual ceremonies, and social status displays. Their importance resonates even today among collectors and cultural historians.
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