Authentic Old Ghana Powder Glass Akoso Bead – 26 × 18 mm African Trade Beads

Rare Old Ghana Powder Glass Akoso Bead – 26 × 18 mm

This exquisite and rare authentic Akoso glass bead hails from the Krobo people of Ghana, West Africa. Crafted during the late 1800s to early 1900s, it exemplifies the finest African trade bead artistry. The bead features intricate trailed decoration, evidence of masterful craftsmanship. Though it shows minor decor loss common in beads of this age, it remains in excellent overall condition.

• Size: 26 mm × 18 mm
• Type: Old Ghana powder glass Akoso bead
• Decoration: Trailed design
• Condition: Excellent with minor decor loss
• Era: Late 1800s – early 1900s African trade

This bead embodies the elegance and historical significance of Akoso glass beads. Its large size and authentic patina highlight its authenticity, even earning admiration from Venetian bead makers who attempted reproductions of this iconic style.

About the Krobo Technique & Cultural Importance

The Krobo artisans of Ghana created these powder glass beads by crushing colored glass into fine powder, pressing layers into clay molds, and firing them in wood-fueled kilns. Once cooled, trails of contrasting colors were applied to the surface before a final firing, a meticulous process passed down through generations.

These old Ghana powder glass beads were more than decorative items; they played a vital role in West African trade, symbolizing wealth, status, and cultural identity. Known collectively as African trade beads, Akoso beads were highly valued by collectors and tribal communities across Africa, cementing their place in both local tradition and global bead history.

Each bead tells a story of ancient techniques, cross-cultural exchange, and enduring beauty. Authentic Akoso beads are more than collectibles, they’re tangible pieces of Ghanaian heritage.

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