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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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Semi-Matching Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads #16600

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Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefiori has...

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Matching Striped Oval Antique Venetian African Trade Beads #16604

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This beautiful strand features a matching set of striped oval antique Venetian beads, a rare find among African Trade beads. Handcrafted in Murano,...

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Semi-Matching Oval Antique Venetian African Millefiori Trade Beads #16603

Only 1 left!

WOW! Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefior...

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Matching Antique Elbow Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads #16601

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Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefiori has...

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Fancy Mixed Antique Venetian King Beads (Graduated)

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One of the most iconic beads of West Africa, King Beads likely derive their stately name through their association with the wealth and status of Tr...

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Black Antique Venetian King Beads (Small)

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One of the most iconic beads of West Africa, King Beads likely derive their stately name through their association with the wealth and status of Tr...

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Red Dotted Fancy Rectangular Venetian Trade Beads

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These old beads from West Africa are originally of Venetian provenance and were transported by merchants and explorers for trade in Africa during t...

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Red Dotted Cylindrical Fancy Venetian Trade Beads

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These old beads from West Africa are originally of Venetian provenance and were transported by merchants and explorers for trade in Africa during t...

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Antique Black Venetian Fancy Flower and Thousand Eye Beads #13175

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This stunning strand features an exceptional assortment of antique black Venetian fancy beads, including multiple varieties of flower beads, classi...

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Vintage White Prosser Button Beads (8-9mm)

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This lovely strand features vintage white Prosser button beads, a classic style of pressed glass bead originating from the former Czechoslovakia. M...

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Antique Black Venetian Fried Egg & Mixed Trade Beads #504

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Admire these authentic antique Venetian trade beads. These Trade beads were likely crafted during the 19th century by specialized artisans whose te...

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Brown Vintage Prosser Button Beads (7mm) #2361

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Take a look at these original, vintage button beads made using the famous "Prosser" technique. Originally from Czechoslovakia, these brown glass sa...

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Purple Matching Antique Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads #517

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Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian Millefiori trade beads! Celebrated among the most distinctive of beads, the Millefiori has...

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Black Oval Fancy Venetian Trade Beads #506

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These old beads from West Africa are originally of Venetian provenance and were transported by merchants and explorers for trade in Africa during t...

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Blue-White Stripe Sandcast - The Bead Chest
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Blue-White Stripe Sandcast Beads

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Checkout this beautiful strand of African sandcast. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used for over 1000 years. Pu...

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Blue-White Stripe Sandcast Beads (10mm)

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Checkout this beautiful strand of African sandcast. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used for over 1000 years. Pu...

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Peach Orange Recycled Glass Beads (11mm)

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Take 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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Extraordinary Strand of Rare Venetian African Trade Beads #16879

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This extraordinary long strand is a beautifully curated collection of rare and historic African trade beads, hand-selected for their uniqueness, vi...

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Extraordinary Strand of Rare Venetian African Trade Beads #16883

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This exceptional 40-inch strand is a true collector’s treasure, featuring a curated selection of rare and vibrant African trade beads—many of which...

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Strand of Fancy Venetian African Trade Beads #16877

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This extraordinary 44-inch strand is a beautifully curated collection of rare and historic Venetian & African trade beads, hand-selected for th...

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Dark Amber Rondelle Recycled Glass Beads

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Take a look at these beautiful rondelle shaped recycled glass beads. Powder glass beads are made by crushing glass to a fine powder and heating it ...

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Forest Green Mist Rondelle Recycled Glass Beads (11mm)

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These great green rondelle beads are made by the Krobo People of Ghana, Africa. Powder glass beads are made by crushing glass to a fine powder and ...

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Accra Medley Rondelle & Krobo Powder Glass Beads

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Delight in this colorful mix of powder glass beads from Ghana West Africa. The assortment includes painted Krobo, Ashanti saucer, and various other...

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Jungle Green Fused Rondelle Recycled Glass Beads (10mm)

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This uniquely patterned strand of rondelle beads is made using traditional methods used to create powder glass beads. The procedure for making the ...

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