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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.
Recycled glass beads are a type of indigenously produced African bead from Ghana West Africa. These beautiful multicolor recycled beads are made us...
View full detailsThis uniquely patterned black & white fused rondelle beads are made using traditional methods used to create powder glass beads. The procedure ...
View full detailsCheckout this beautiful strand of maroon brown strawstack sandcast beads. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used f...
View full detailsThese beautiful Emerald Recycled Glass Beads will help add a regal touch to your upcoming design projects. Handcrafted by artisans in Ghana these b...
View full detailsThese Maroon Sandcast Beads have a striking unique and minimal patterned style. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been ...
View full detailsOld Trade beads such as these are as beautiful in design as they are exceptional in craftsmanship. Venetian glass beads were known for centuries as...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsLooking for a truly unique strand of antique mixed trade beads? Then look no further. This beautiful strand of old african trade beads contains a m...
View full detailsThese gorgeous Blue and Black Krobo Beads will make great addition to your jewelry design projects. Handcrafted and painted by Ghanaian artisans th...
View full detailsTake a closer look at this lovely strand of Blue and Green Krobo Beads. Made by the people of Krobo Mountain in Ghana, West Africa. Many designs of...
View full detailsTake a closer look at the rustic charm of our Peach Recycled Glass Beads. These beads are not just adornments; they're a testament to the rich trad...
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