African Trade Beads - Ghanaian Recycled Glass Annular Beads

African Trade Beads - Ghanaian Recycled Glass Annular Beads

Beautiful strand of NEW recycled glass (fragments) African beads, handmade by the skilled artisans of Kroboland (Ghana, West Africa), imitating the classic "Dutch Annular" glass trade beads. Each bead is a testament to the rich tradition and craftsmanship of the Krobo people.

• Strand Length: 20 1/2" (52 cm)
• Bead Size: 12 mm in diameter

These exquisite beads are crafted from recycled glass fragments, meticulously molded to create a stunning array of translucent beads with a unique, often variegated appearance. The entire process is done by hand, ensuring each bead is unique.

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

Traditional Krobo Bead-Making Technique

The creation of these beads involves a fascinating process:

• Collection and Preparation: Artisans collect and clean glass bottles and other glass items, which are then broken into small fragments.
• Molding: The glass fragments are placed into clay molds that determine the shape and size of the beads.
• Firing: The molds with the glass fragments are fired in a kiln at high temperatures, fusing the fragments together while preserving their original colors and translucency.
• Finishing: After cooling, the beads are removed from the molds and polished or refined to smooth out any rough edges.

These vibrant beads are not only beautiful but also culturally significant. In Ghanaian society, they are often used in ceremonies and serve as symbols of status and identity.

Explore our collection of new African Krobo glass beads currently available for sale, view the archived collection of sold African beads, and watch how Krobo beads are made.