African Trade Beads Strand - Krobo Glass & Brass Beads from Ghana

Handmade African Trade Beads - Mixed Krobo Glass & Ashanti Brass Beads

This beautiful strand showcases a vibrant selection of Krobo glass beads paired with Ashanti lost wax brass beads, handmade in Ghana, West Africa. Each bead is a testament to the incredible craftsmanship passed down through generations of artisans.

Strand Length:

• 27 3/4" (70.5 cm)

Bead Size Range:

• 10 mm - 22 mm in diameter

The glass beads are meticulously crafted in Kroboland using recycled glass from old bottles and household items. These materials are ground into fine powder, dyed with natural pigments, and then shaped in clay molds. Once fired in traditional kilns, the result is a stunning imitation of old Venetian fancy trade beads  colorful, textured, and full of cultural significance.

Complementing the glass pieces are exquisite brass beads handmade by Ashanti artisans in Kumasi using the ancient lost wax casting technique. This intricate process begins with crafting a unique wax model for each bead. The model is encased in clay, then fired to melt away the wax, leaving a mold that is filled with molten brass. After cooling, the mold is broken to release the final bead - making every piece truly one-of-a-kind.

These recycled glass and brass beads are more than just ornaments - they are modern echoes of traditional African trade beads that once traveled across continents as currency and symbols of identity. Today, they continue to represent the rich artisanal heritage of Ghana and the significance of community-based craftsmanship.

Explore more in our full collection of new African Krobo Glass Beads.

See previously sold treasures in our Archives of African Made Beads.

Watch how the Krobo people create these unique beads in our video on YouTube.