Rare Krobo “Akoso” Style Powder Glass Bead – 48 × 30 mm

Rare Krobo “Akoso” Style Powder Glass Trade Bead – 48 × 30 mm

Discover this stunning large powder glass trade bead expertly crafted in the 1970s by the Krobo artisans of Ghana. Imitating the coveted Old Bodom and Akoso beads (late 1800s–early 1900s), this remarkable example measures:

• 48 mm length × 30 mm diameter

This bead is 100 % handmade from recycled Venetian trade glass,primarily old yellow wound disks and yellow “king” beads, pulverized into powder and cast in traditional molds. Though gently worn with a slight chip at one end, it remains in very good condition and retains its striking visual appeal.

🔥 Highlights of This Krobo-Imitated “Akoso” Bead

• Replica of rare Akoso glass beads fashioned by Ghana’s Krobo in the 1970s
• Crafted from recycled Venetian beads using the authentic Powder Glass technique
• Striking large scale (48 × 30 mm) - perfect as the star of a necklace or collectible
• Fully handmade, each bead reflects the traditional artistry of Old Ghana Powder Glass beads

Technique & Cultural Significance

The Krobo people of Ghana’s Kroboland are famed for their mastery of the “powder glass” technique. They start by crushing old Venetian trade beads into fine powder, then meticulously filling clay molds to form new beads. Once dried, the beads are fired in wood kilns, polished, and decorated, producing the distinctive finish seen in these African trade beads.

Old Akoso trade beads, along with Bodom beads, were crucial in the regional economy of West Africa from the late 19th to early 20th century. They served not only as currency and status symbols but also as a link in the trans-Saharan trade networks. The Krobo continuation of this tradition into the 1970s highlights the enduring cultural importance of these Akoso glass beads and their role in Ghana’s textile history.

Own a piece of Ghanaian heritage; this Krobo-made powder glass bead is a rare opportunity to celebrate timeless craftsmanship.

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