Tribalgh

African Trade Beads: Krobo Glass & Brass Beads from Ghana 27.5"

Mixed African Trade Beads - Krobo Glass & Lost Wax Brass Beads from Ghana (27.5" Strand)

Elevate your jewelry-making or bead collection with this vibrant, handmade strand of African trade beads featuring a stunning mix of Krobo glass and Ashanti lost wax brass beads. Expertly crafted by artisans in Ghana, these beads are a testament to traditional West African craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

Strand Length: 27.5 inches (70 cm)
Bead Size: 10-14 mm in diameter
Materials: Recycled glass beads & lost wax brass beads

The glass beads are meticulously made by the people of Kroboland in Ghana using a sustainable process. Recycled glass bottles and discarded glass items are crushed into a fine powder, then poured into clay molds. These are fired in traditional kilns to create beautifully textured beads, each with a unique pattern and color that imitate classic Venetian fancy trade beads.

The brass beads are handcrafted in the Ashanti region (Kumasi) using the centuries-old lost wax technique. Each bead begins with a detailed wax model that is encased in clay to form a mold. After heating, the wax melts away ("lost"), allowing molten brass to be poured into the cavity. Once cooled and broken from the mold, each bead is cleaned and polished, resulting in intricate, one-of-a-kind designs.

These recycled glass and brass beads carry the deep-rooted significance of trade beads in African history. For centuries, such beads have been used for adornment, currency, and storytelling across the continent. By owning a strand, you carry a piece of that rich cultural narrative and the skilled hands of Ghanaian artisans.

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