African Trade Beads - Recycled Glass Beads from Ghana

Enhance your collection with these stunning African trade beads, handcrafted from recycled "White Heart" glass beads by the skilled artisans of Kroboland in Ghana, West Africa. Each bead is a testament to sustainable craftsmanship and traditional African artistry.

Bead Size and Strand Details:

• Strand Length: Approximately 22" (56 cm)
• Bead Diameter: 11 - 12 mm
• Handmade Authenticity: 100% handmade

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

These beads are made using a meticulous process in the Krobo region of Ghana, where small size glass beads are fused together to form larger, intricate beads. Unlike translucent glass beads, these fused beads offer a robust and opaque appearance, characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The process involves placing the small glass beads into clay molds, then firing them in a kiln at high temperatures. This fuses the beads into a larger, cohesive bead while retaining the original color and pattern of the smaller beads.

Krobo beads hold significant cultural importance in Ghana, often used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and identity. By incorporating these beads into your designs, you not only support sustainable practices but also celebrate the rich heritage of Ghanaian craftsmanship.

Explore more about our collections:

• New African Krobo Glass Beads
• Archives of African Made Beads
• How Krobo Beads are Made (Video)