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Authentic OLD Akoso Powder Glass Croatian-Style African Trade Bead 20 × 14 mm
Authentic OLD Akoso Powder Glass Croatian-Style African Trade Bead 20 × 14 mm
Authentic OLD Akoso Powder Glass Trade Bead – Krobo, Ghana
Discover the timeless elegance of this Akoso glass bead, handcrafted by the Krobo people of Ghana. An exquisite piece from the late 1800s to early 1900s, this old Ghana powder glass bead features delicate trailed decoration and rich historical significance.
- Size: 20 mm × 14 mm
This bead is in excellent vintage condition, with only very minor decoration loss remarkable for its age. As an African trade bead, it traveled along important trading routes and even drew the attention of Venetian glassmakers, who attempted to replicate its unique beauty.
Crafted in Krobo, Ghana, using traditional powder glass techniques, artisans layered crushed glass powders into molds before firing, then added vibrant trailed glass lines for décor. These Akoso beads played a vital role in regional trade networks and cultural ceremonies, symbolizing wealth, social status, and ancestral connection across West Africa.
The heritage of Powder Glass beads from the Krobo people remains essential to understanding African trade history and craftsmanship. Each bead is a testament to centuries-old expertise and the vibrant legacy of Ghanaian artistry.
Technique & Cultural Importance:
Krobo artisans craft Akoso beads by combining powdered glass in layers within clay or metal molds; after firing, they apply trailed glass decoration creating intricate, colorful designs. These powder glass beads were central to trans-Saharan and coastal trade, prized as currency, dowry pieces, and ceremonial adornments throughout Ghana and beyond.
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