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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.
Immerse design projects with the mesmerizing feel of our Clear Speckled Recycled Glass Beads. These cheerful beads come with an eye-catching Green ...
View full detailsTake a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they are sometimes worn as wa...
View full detailsTake a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they are sometimes worn as wa...
View full detailsTake a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they are sometimes worn as wa...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of authentic antique Venetian Eye Beads, which are part of the "King Bead" family. Often displayed as a symbol of status,...
View full detailsThese stylish Krobo Beads are a must-have for anyone looking to make their own unique jewelry creations. Made by the people of Krobo Mountain in Gh...
View full detailsTake a closer look at this versatile strand of pastel Ashanti saucer glass beads. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has bee...
View full detailsTake a look at these interesting Krobo Beads. Handcrafted from recycled glass by artisans in Ghana, Africa each bead has a beautiful pattern of col...
View full detailsThis vivid strand of Green Vinyl Beads will add a handmade touch to any craft project. Beads like these are found in Ghana where they are sometimes...
View full detailsAdmire this unusual strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find cove...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find and c...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find and c...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find and c...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find and c...
View full detailsTake a look at these beautiful vintage beads made from a material similar to phono records. Each bead measures approximately 1 x 14mm, with a hole ...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned medleys of vinyl beads such as these are rare to...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned medleys of vinyl beads such as these are rare to...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find and c...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find and c...
View full detailsAdmire this unique strand of vintage vinyl heishi beads. Commonly found in solid colors, patterned vinyl beads such as these are rare to find and c...
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 detailsThese interesting Krobo Beads are handmade by artisans in Ghana using recycled glass material. The beads are strung together to make an ornamental ...
View full detailsTake a closer look at these lovely light pink recycled glass beads. Handmade by artisans in Ghana, each bead is individually handcrafted through a ...
View full detailsThese great little beads are commonly referred to as Dice Beads due to their resemblance to playing dice. In fact, they are made by a process simil...
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