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Ghana Beads

Ghana is home to the largest bead markets in Africa. Below are African beads imported from Ghana. Trade beads have a long history in the West African country of Ghana. In fact, Ghana beads were once a form of national currency and were used to purchase many different kinds of goods including alcohol, slaves, and even textiles. The production of beads in Ghana was first documented over 200 years ago however evidence of bead production extends over two thousand years. Due to their use in trade, beads in Ghana may have a wide variety of origins that trace ancient and modern trade routes including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Modern Ghana overlaps with the terrain of the ancient Ghana Empire.

A number of bead varieties are locally produced in Ghana. These include recycled glass beads that are made from empty glass bottles, seashell beads, as well as Krobo beads. The manufacturing of recycled beads is one way that the people of Ghana use traditional inspiration to bring new uses to old materials. The process involves breaking used bottles in pieces that are then melted and shaped using clay molds designed with the desired shape in mind. Beads may be washed in sand and then painted with designs.

Similarly, Ghana is one of the most important countries for the manufacture of Krobo beads. This name Krobo, is derived from the fact that a great deal of the powdered glass beads in Ghana are produced Krobo artisans. However craftsmen from the Ashanti ethnic group are also heavily involved in this production. Beads continue to play a role in traditional Krobo culture where they are used for many different ceremonies such as birth, marriage, death, and coming of age rituals such as Dipo where girls where a large number of beads and perform special dances. African beads are also used as a symbol of status and are worn by community leaders and chiefs.

In recent years, there has been a revival in the use of trade beads in Ghana so much so that young people are wearing them as an expression of pride in African tradition. Interestingly, the different colors that are used in the design of beads have different symbolism such as blue that represents purity, white that represents fertility, and gold that represents wealth.

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Mixed Ghana Chevron Beads - The Bead Chest Sold out
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Mixed Ghana Chevron Beads

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Bright, beautifully colored glass trade beads with an occasional plastic spacer bead. Originally made in southern Spain and Venice especially for t...

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Vintage Turquoise Blue Glass Beads (2 Strands) - The Bead Chest
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Vintage Turquoise Blue Glass Beads (2 Strands)

in stock

Two strands of turquoise color small glass beads from Africa. Each bead measures approximately 4mm in diameter by 3mm in length. Some variation in ...

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Vintage White Ghana Glass Beads (2 Strands) - The Bead Chest
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Vintage White Ghana Glass Beads (2 Strands)

in stock

Two strands of vintage white glass beads. Each bead measures approximately 4-5mm in diameter.

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Iridescent Black Ghana Glass Seed Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest Sold out
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Iridescent Black Ghana Glass Seed Beads (4mm)

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This strand of black color small glass beads comes from Ghana. Each bead measures approximately 3-4 x 4-5mm with strand length of 26". Some variati...

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Black Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Black Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm)

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Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a black color. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they are som...

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Black Ghana Chevron Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Black Ghana Chevron Beads (5mm)

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These black color Ghana Chevron beads are fun and versatile. The irregular shape makes gives them a decidedly ethnic feel. Each bead measures 3-5mm...

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Turquoise White Heart Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest
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Turquoise White Heart Beads (4mm)

in stock

Checkout this beautiful strand of translucent turquoise-blue white hearts! The strand measures approximately 24", with beads measuring about 4-5m...

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Blue White Heart Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest
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Blue White Heart Beads (4mm)

Only 6 left!

Checkout this beautiful strand of translucent white hearts! The strand measures approximately 24", with beads measuring about 4-5mm in diameter.

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Old Navy Blue Kenya Turkana Beads - The Bead Chest
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Old Navy Blue Kenya Turkana Beads

in stock

These authentic navy blue Turkhana beads were worn by the people of northwest Kenya. Less prominent but slightly more numbers than the Maasai, the ...

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Aqua Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Aqua Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm)

Out of stock

Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a multicolor color. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they ar...

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$9.00 - $9.00
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Old Red Kenya Turkana Beads - The Bead Chest
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Old Red Kenya Turkana Beads

Out of stock

These authentic red Turkhana beads were worn by the people of northwest Kenya. Less prominent but slightly more numbers than the Maasai, the Turkan...

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Orange Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Orange Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm)

Out of stock

Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a orange color. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they are so...

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Blue & White Matte Chevron Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Blue & White Matte Chevron Beads (5mm)

Out of stock

This exceptional strand of ghana chevron beads is matte in finish and patterned with blue and white stripes. These beads are superb to use as space...

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Tiny Bauxite Beads (4mm)

Only 10 left!

Very nice strand of small Bauxite stone African trade beads !!!!!! The strand is in good condition (some beads are chipped). The necklace is about ...

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Blue and White Ghana Glass Beads (2 Strands) - The Bead Chest
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Blue and White Ghana Glass Beads (2 Strands)

Out of stock

Two strands of blue & white colored small glass beads from Ghana. Each bead measures approximately 2-4 x 4-5mm with strand length of 24". Some ...

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Old Yellow Kenya Turkana Beads

in stock

These authentic yellow Turkhana beads were worn by the people of northwest Kenya. Less prominent but slightly more numbers than the Maasai, the Tur...

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White Metal Coil Beads - The Bead Chest
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White Metal Coil Beads

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Beautiful strand of white metal coil beads. Unique design!

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Red White Heart Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Red White Heart Beads (5mm)

Out of stock

Checkout this beautiful strand of translucent red white hearts! The strand measures approximately 27", with beads measuring about 4.5-5mm in diame...

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Brown & Black Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Brown & Black Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm)

Out of stock

Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a multicolor color. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they ar...

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$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
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$3.99
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Yellow Jacket Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
Save 56% Save %
$9.00
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$3.99
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$3.99

Yellow Jacket Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm)

Only 2 left!

Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a multicolor color. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they ar...

View full details
$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$3.99
Save 56% Save %
Mixed Vintage Christmas Beads (Kumasi Medley) - The Bead Chest
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Mixed Vintage Christmas Beads (Kumasi Medley)

Out of stock

Christmas beads comprise of a special blend of choice beads created in former Czechoslovakia for use in Africa. Also known as "African love beads,"...

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$6.00 - $6.00
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Old White Kenya Turkana Beads - The Bead Chest
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
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$12.00

Old White Kenya Turkana Beads

in stock

These authentic white Turkhana beads were worn by the people of northwest Kenya. Less prominent but slightly more numerous than the Maasai, the Tur...

View full details
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
Vintage Black Nigerian Glass Beads - The Bead Chest
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Vintage Black Nigerian Glass Beads

Out of stock

Beautiful strand of vintage black glass beads from Nigeria. Each bead measures approximately 3-4 x 4-5mm with strand length of 25-29". Some variati...

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$7.00 - $7.00
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Green White Heart Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest
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$8.50

Green White Heart Beads (4mm)

in stock

Checkout this beautiful strand of semi-translucent green white hearts! The strand measures approximately 24", with beads measuring about 4-5mm in ...

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$8.50 - $8.50
$8.50
$8.50
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