Tribalgh
Rare Old Akoso Powder Glass Bead 30 × 18 mm – Vintage Ghana Trade Bead
Rare Old Akoso Powder Glass Bead 30 × 18 mm – Vintage Ghana Trade Bead
Authentic Vintage Akoso Powder Glass Bead – Large 30 × 18 mm
Discover this beautiful, rare Old Ghana powder glass bead an AUTHENTIC Akoso glass bead crafted by the Krobo people of Ghana. This stunning African trade bead features a remarkable trailed decoration and measures a substantial size, perfect for collectors and jewelry artisans alike.
- Size: 30 mm × 18 mm
This bead dates from the late 1800s to early 1900s and remains in very good vintage condition, with only minor decoration loss (please see photos). Akoso beads were so prized that Venetian bead makers even attempted to reproduce their distinctive style.
Whether you're a serious collector or a designer seeking genuine African trade beads, this Old Akoso bead is a rare opportunity to own a piece of cultural and artistic heritage.
🔍 Technique & Cultural Significance
The Krobo artisans of Ghana used a traditional powder glass bead technique: finely crushed recycled glass was layered in molds and heated, then decorated with glass trails to create intricate patterns. Once cooled, each bead was carefully polished to reveal vibrant hues and shine a labor-intensive process passed down through generations.
Akoso trade beads were critical in Ghana and broader West Africa, serving as currency, symbols of status, and vital trade goods from the late 19th to early 20th century. Their enduring beauty and craftsmanship make them celebrated treasures in African bead traditions.
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