Tribalgh

Mixed Krobo Glass and Brass Beads - African Trade Beads Strand

Handmade African Trade Beads - Mixed Krobo Glass and Brass Strand from Ghana

This striking strand of African trade beads is a colorful mix of powder glass beads handmade by the Krobo people of Ghana and intricate brass beads crafted by the Ashanti artisans of Kumasi. The beads are meticulously made to imitate old Venetian fancy trade beads, creating a rich fusion of heritage and artistry. Strand Length:

Approximately 26 inches (66 cm)

Bead Sizes:

8 mm - 19 mm in diameter

Every bead is 100% handmade using centuries-old traditional methods passed down through generations.

Traditional Bead-Making Techniques from Ghana

The Krobo people of Ghana produce these stunning recycled glass beads using an eco-friendly technique. Discarded glass bottles and window panes are crushed into a fine powder, poured into handmade clay molds, and then fired in kilns using cashew wood. The result is vibrant, textured beads with unique colors and patterns, each telling a story of sustainable craftsmanship. The brass beads are created in the Ashanti region of Kumasi using the ancient lost wax technique. For every bead, a mold is sculpted from wax, encased in clay, and heated so the wax melts away leaving a cavity that is then filled with molten brass. The mold is destroyed to free each bead, ensuring that no two are ever exactly alike. These mixed strands are a modern expression of the age-old African bead trade, once used for commerce, adornment, and cultural identity across West Africa. Today, they continue to hold significance as symbols of artistry and heritage.

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