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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.
Take a look at this hard to find strand of "End of Day Beads" from Ghana in West Africa. Beads such as this are made by recycling older broken bead...
View full detailsChristmas beads comprise of a special blend of choice beads created in former Czechoslovakia for use in Africa. Also known as "African love beads,"...
View full detailsChristmas beads comprise of a special blend of choice beads created in former Czechoslovakia for use in Africa. Also known as "African love beads,"...
View full detailsChristmas 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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View full detailsTake a look at this incredible strand of Venetian Chevron Beads. Chevron beads such as as these are highly sought-after by bead collectors and bead...
View full detailsGooseberry beads are known to be made in Venice in the 1700s through the 1900s. They are made of heated, drawn, pinched and polished clear glass, ...
View full detailsRecycled glass beads are a type of indigenously produced African bead from Ghana West Africa. These beautiful blue color recycled beads are made us...
View full detailsThese vintage seed beads were imported from Africa, but are likely of European origin. Their premium quality is apparent not only by their look, bu...
View full detailsAmong the most celebrated of faceted beads, Russian Blues derive their romantic name from their involvement in the Russian fur trade of the Pacific...
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View full detailsNOTE - You will receive 87 strands strung on raffia, at a deeply discounted price. This is a promotional lot. Sale is final. Christmas beads com...
View full detailsNOTE - You will receive 41 strands strung on raffia, at a deeply discounted price. This is a promotional lot. Sale is final. Christmas beads com...
View full detailsAdmire these authentic antique Venetian Rattlesnake Beads, which are named such for their distinctive pattern. These Trade beads were likely crafte...
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View full detailsWow! Admire this exceptional strand of Antique Venetian Trade Beads. This unique strand includes a variety of hard to find bead designs including f...
View full detailsThese exceptional black Thousand Eye beads are a beauty to behold. Old trade beads such as these originate in Venice, Italy where they were produce...
View full detailsThese exceptional black Thousand Eye beads are a beauty to behold. Old trade beads such as these originate in Venice, Italy where they were produce...
View full detailsThese old trade beads likely derive their name from their distinctively elongated design. Beads such as these were crafted in the workshops of Veni...
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View full detailsBold and colorful, these carefully fashioned beads nicely demonstrate the bead-making tradition of West Africa. Crafted by a skilled artisan, powde...
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