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Rare Authentic Green Akoso Powder Glass Beads – Ghana Krobo Trade
Rare Authentic Green Akoso Powder Glass Beads – Ghana Krobo Trade
Rare Authentic African Green Akoso Powder Glass Trade Beads
Discover four exquisite, old Akoso glass beads in a vibrant green hue, perfect examples of traditional West African craftsmanship. These African trade beads showcase the timeless beauty and cultural significance of Ghana’s Krobo people.
- Length: 14–15 mm
- Diameter: 10–11 mm
Each bead is in excellent condition, displaying the rich, saturated green tone characteristic of genuine old Ghana powder glass beads. Originally crafted between the late 1800s and early 1900s, these beads were highly prized in local and international trade.
Crafting Tradition & Significance
The Krobo people in Ghana used a meticulous technique to create these powder glass beads. Finely ground colored glass, usually made from broken glass fragments, was packed into clay molds. These molds were fired in open-air pits or clay kilns, fusing the powder into a solid bead. Once fired, craftsmen removed the clay mold and smoothed each bead by hand, ensuring uniformity and shine. This traditional method, passed down through generations, reflects the deep artistic heritage of Kroboland.
Akoso beads played a vital role in African history and economy. As African trade beads, they were exchanged across West Africa and beyond, valued not only for their beauty but also as symbols of wealth and social status. Even Venetian beadmakers admired their quality and tried to replicate them, though true Krobo-made examples like these remain unparalleled.
Why These Beads Matter
These rare green Akoso beads are more than just beautiful, they are living pieces of Ghanaian tradition. Their authenticity and preservation make them essential for collectors, cultural historians, and anyone passionate about African trade beads.
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