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African Trade Beads - Krobo Glass & Brass Beads from Ghana
African Trade Beads - Krobo Glass & Brass Beads from Ghana
Handmade Mixed African Trade Beads - Krobo Glass & Ashanti Brass, 27" Strand
This stunning 27-inch strand of Ghana glass and brass beads showcases the rich tradition of African trade beads. Carefully handcrafted in Ghana, this mix features both recycled Krobo powder glass beads and detailed lost wax brass beads from the Ashanti region, designed to imitate the iconic Venetian fancy trade beads of the past.
- Length of strand: Approximately 27 inches (69 cm)
- Bead sizes: Range from 8 mm to 15 mm in diameter
- Material: Recycled glass and brass
- Origin: Kroboland & Ashanti Region, Ghana
Each bead is 100% handmade, resulting in a vibrant and eclectic mix of colors, shapes, and patterns that reflect the artistry and symbolism deeply rooted in West African bead-making culture.
🌍 Traditional Ghanaian Craftsmanship
The glass beads from Kroboland are made using a centuries-old method where discarded glass bottles and objects are ground into a fine powder. This powder is poured into handmade clay molds and heated in kilns fueled by local methods, often using cassava stems to regulate the heat. The result is a durable, beautifully textured bead with a matte, earthy finish.
Complementing the glass are brass beads from the Ashanti region, created using the ancient lost wax casting technique. Each brass bead begins as a wax model, which is encased in clay to form a mold. Once the mold is fired and the wax melts away, molten brass is poured into the cavity. The mold is broken to release the bead meaning every single bead is a unique piece of art, never to be replicated exactly.
African trade beads such as these have long been used as currency, for adornment, and as cultural symbols across the continent. By collecting and wearing these beads, you’re preserving a heritage of craftsmanship and trade that has defined West African communities for generations.
🔗 View More New Krobo Glass Beads at TribalGH
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