18-19mm Powder Glass African Trade Beads - Recycled Ghana Beads

Handmade 18-19mm Powder Glass Spacer Beads - African Trade Beads from Ghana

Discover the timeless artistry of Ghana glass beads with this beautiful strand of powder glass African spacer beads, handmade by the skilled artisans of Kroboland in West Africa. These recycled beads were designed to imitate old Bohemian and Czech glass trade beads, blending tradition with sustainability.

• Bead size: 18-19 mm in length
• Strand length: Approximately 25" (64 cm)
• Material: Recycled glass (bottles and glass items)
• Origin: Krobo, Ghana - 100% handmade

Each bead is carefully crafted from ground glass, poured into molds, and fired in traditional clay kilns. The result is a stunning, earthy aesthetic that reflects the vibrant spirit of African craftsmanship. These recycled trade beads are not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious.

The Krobo people of Ghana use an age-old method to create these striking beads known as the “core design” or “mold-inlaid” powder glass technique. This involves crushing discarded glass into fine powder, placing it into hand-made molds, and decorating with natural dyes or powdered glass patterns before firing. These techniques preserve centuries of tradition and craftsmanship, making every strand a piece of cultural history.

Trade beads have long played a vital role in West African heritage, used in ceremonies, as currency, and in cultural storytelling. Today, they are cherished by collectors and designers for their symbolic meaning and unique beauty.

Explore more from our collection:
🧿 Shop New African Krobo Glass Beads
🗂 View Sold Beads in Our Archive
🎥 Watch How Krobo Beads Are Made (YouTube)