Tribalgh

African Trade Beads: Krobo Glass & Lost Wax Brass Beads Strand

Authentic Mixed Krobo Glass and Ashanti Brass Beads Strand - 27"

Celebrate the artistry of West African beadwork with this vibrant strand of mixed African trade beads. Carefully handmade by the Krobo people of Ghana, this strand features colorful recycled glass beads that imitate classic Venetian fancy beads, paired with stunning Ashanti brass beads created using the ancient lost wax method. Bead Sizes:

Diameter: 7mm - 15mm
Strand Length: Approximately 27 inches (69 cm)

Each glass bead is crafted in Krobo land from ground recycled glass bottles and glassware, molded and baked in traditional clay molds. The colors and intricate patterns mirror centuries-old trade beads that once journeyed across continents. Interspersed among the glass beads are detailed lost wax brass beads, made in the Ashanti region (Kumasi, Ghana). This process is a true testament to artisan craftsmanship: each bead begins with a unique wax model, which is encased in clay and then melted away, leaving a mold that’s filled with molten brass. The clay is broken to release the finished bead meaning every single brass piece is one-of-a-kind. These mixed strands represent not only vibrant adornment but also cultural resilience, as African trade beads have been used for centuries in ceremonial, social, and commercial exchanges across the continent.

Explore more of our bead collections: