Tribalgh

Mixed Krobo Glass and Brass Beads - African Trade Beads 12-19mm

Handmade Mixed Krobo Glass and Ashanti Brass Beads - 12-19mm

This vibrant strand features a beautiful mix of recycled glass beads and lost wax brass beads, all handmade in Ghana by skilled artisans from the Krobo and Ashanti regions. These African trade beads imitate the elegance of antique Venetian fancy beads while showcasing West African craftsmanship.

Strand Length: Approximately 28.5" (72 cm)
Bead Size: 12-19 mm in diameter
Materials: Recycled powder glass and hand-cast brass

These Krobo glass and brass beads are a stunning example of recycled glass and brass beads made by the people of Ghana. Each strand represents a harmony of history, artistry, and sustainability.

Craftsmanship & Cultural Significance

The glass beads are made in Kroboland using a centuries-old process where discarded glass bottles and other items are crushed into fine powder. The powdered glass is then poured into clay molds, often with natural dyes, and baked in kilns to form colorful, textured beads. Each bead is 100% handmade and carries the soulful energy of the artisans behind them.

The brass beads are produced in the Ashanti region (Kumasi) using the remarkable lost wax casting technique. For every brass bead, a wax mold is sculpted by hand and then encased in clay. After firing, the wax melts away, leaving a hollow mold into which molten brass is poured. Each mold is destroyed to release the bead, making every piece uniquely crafted and impossible to replicate exactly.

African trade beads have been essential in the history of commerce across West Africa for centuries. Today, they continue to be symbols of identity, storytelling, and cultural pride widely collected, worn, and admired around the world.

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