New African "Cedi" Bodom Akoso Lampwork Trade Bead – 29 × 27 mm

New African Bodom Akoso Lampwork Glass Trade Bead – 29 × 27 mm

Discover the exquisite fusion of tradition and modern artistry in this New African Bodom Akoso lampwork glass trade bead, handcrafted by master bead artist Cedi (Nomoda Djaba) in Ghana. Inspired by the revered Old Ghana Bodom glass beads from the late 1800s and early 1900s, this bead reflects the legacy of African trade beads while showcasing contemporary lampwork techniques.

• Size: 29 mm × 27 mm

This bead is 100% handmade—no two are exactly alike. It’s a true collector’s gem that honors the tradition of Bodom glass beads with a fresh, lampwork twist. Each bead is carefully wound with molten glass, displaying vibrant colors and intricate patterns reminiscent of historic Bodom trade beads.

Craftsmanship & Cultural Significance

Cedi’s method incorporates traditional lampwork—melting rods of colored glass in a flame and shaping them around a mandrel. While Old Ghana Bodom beads were made using powdered recycled glass—ground, colored, molded, and heated in pit-kilns—this bead pays homage through design rather than technique. These African trade beads played a pivotal role in Ghana’s cultural and economic history, serving as currency, status symbols, and expressions of artistry in Krobo communities.

The bead’s contemporary lampwork technique offers durability and vibrant finishes, while the design remains steeped in the pow­er-glass legacy of true Old Ghana Bodom glass beads. As such, it stands not just as a decorative piece but as a cultural bridge connecting past and present.

Carry forward this legacy with a bead that’s both a beautiful adornment and a story in glass.

Links you may enjoy:

• Explore our New African Krobo Glass Beads collection
• Browse the Archives: Sold African-made Beads
• Watch how the Krobo produce their beads