Striped African Powder Glass Beads - Krobo Recycled Trade Strand

Handmade African Powder Glass Beads - Krobo Recycled Trade Beads

Bring the timeless spirit of African trade into your jewelry designs with this authentic strand of Powder Glass beads from Ghana. These distinctive beads are handmade by the skilled artisans of Kroboland, using traditional beadmaking methods that date back generations. Designed to replicate the coveted old Venetian "King" bicone wound trade beads, these beauties offer both history and handcrafted elegance in every piece.

Bead Sizes:

• Diameter: 13-14 mm
• Strand Length: Approximately 25 1/4" (64 cm)

These black, brown, and white striped beads are crafted from recycled glass bottles and other discarded glassware ground into a fine powder and shaped into mold-inlaid forms. The process not only reflects the sustainable values of the Krobo people but also ensures that each bead is one-of-a-kind.

Perfect for jewelry designers, collectors of African trade beads, or anyone who appreciates eco-conscious art rooted in culture and tradition.

Traditional Technique from Ghana

The people of Krobo, Ghana, are renowned for their artistry in creating Powder Glass beads, also known as sandcast or recycled glass beads. This strand showcases the mold-inlaid technique, a traditional method where finely ground glass is placed into hand-carved molds. Decorative patterns are often added using different colored glass powders. After firing in clay ovens, the resulting bead is smoothed and polished by hand. These beads not only preserve ancestral techniques but also hold historical value as part of the rich legacy of African trade beads.

Trade beads have long played an essential role in West African culture used as currency, symbols of status, and in rites of passage. Each bead tells a story, and by wearing or working with them, you become a part of that ongoing journey.

Explore more from our curated selection of handcrafted Ghana glass beads and traditional African beadwork:

• Shop New African Krobo Glass Beads
• View Our Archives of African Made Beads
• Watch How Krobo Beads Are Made