African Trade Beads: Recycled Ghana Glass Beads - 11-12mm

Beautiful matching strand of new glass (fragments) African beads, made by the skilled artisans of Kroboland (Ghana, West Africa), imitating old "Dutch Annular" glass trade beads.

• Strand Length: 22 1/4" (56.5 cm)
• Bead Size: 11 - 12 mm in diameter

These beads are meticulously crafted from recycled glass fragments, which are then placed into molds to create these unique and stunning beads. Each bead is 100% handmade, ensuring that every strand is a unique piece of art.

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

The people of Kroboland utilize an intricate technique to produce these beautiful beads. The process involves collecting and cleaning glass bottles and other glass items, which are then broken into small fragments. These fragments are placed into clay molds, determining the beads' shape and size. The molds are fired in a kiln at high temperatures, fusing the glass fragments without melting them into a uniform mass, preserving their original colors and translucency. Once cooled, the beads are removed from the molds and often polished or refined to smooth out any rough edges.

Krobo beads are renowned for their vibrant colors and intricate patterns. They hold significant cultural importance in Ghanaian society, often used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and identity.

Explore more from our collection of New African Krobo Glass Beads, view our archived collection of African Made Beads, or watch a video on How Krobo Beads Are Made.