Authentic Old Akoso Krobo Powder Glass Bead – 19×14 mm African Trade

Authentic Old Akoso Powder Glass Bead – Krobo, Ghana (19 × 14 mm)

Discover a striking piece of history with this authentic Old Akoso powder glass bead from the Krobo people of Ghana. Carefully crafted during the late 1800s to early 1900s, this bead features a distinctive trailed decoration, a testament to the artistry that once inspired Venetian makers to mimic its design.

• Size: 19 mm × 14 mm

This beautiful African trade bead is in very good vintage condition – minor decoration loss adds to its character and historical authenticity.

Why This Bead Matters:

• A rare survivor of historical trade networks linking West Africa to the world.
• Handmade by Krobo artisans using time-honored powder glass techniques.
• Reflects true old Ghana powder glass beads craftsmanship beloved by collectors and historians alike.

Technique & Cultural Importance: These Krobo artisans used powdered recycled glass packed into clay molds, then heated in open fires, creating vibrant, thick-walled beads. Once cooled, they were delicately hand-decorated with trailed glass. This traditional process yields the renowned Akoso glass beads, emblematic of Krobo skill and aesthetic. As integral pieces of African trade beads, they were exchanged across West Africa and beyond, becoming symbols of wealth, social status, and cultural identity. Their legacy continues to influence beadmaking today in Ghana and across the continent.

Your purchase helps honor and preserve this centuries‑old Krobo tradition.

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