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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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Peach Orange Vinyl Phono Record Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest Sold out
$12.00 - $12.00
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$12.00

Peach Orange Vinyl Phono Record Beads (8mm)

Out of stock

Take 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...

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$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
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Pinwheel Circular Brass Filigree Beads (18mm) - The Bead Chest Sold out
$22.00 - $22.00
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$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00

Pinwheel Circular Brass Filigree Beads (18mm)

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These Brass "Round Flat" trade beads are from Ghana, Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. The strand is...

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$22.00 - $22.00
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Jumbo Green Swirl Recycled Glass Beads (25mm) - The Bead Chest
$27.00 - $27.00
$27.00
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$27.00 - $27.00
$27.00

Jumbo Green Swirl Recycled Glass Beads (25mm)

in stock

Take a look at this exceptionally large strand of jumbo-sized green recycled glass beads. Large beads such as these are hard to find and even harde...

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$27.00 - $27.00
$27.00
$27.00
$27.00 - $27.00
$27.00
Jumbo Black Fused Bicone Recycled Glass Beads (24mm) - The Bead Chest
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00

Jumbo Black Fused Bicone Recycled Glass Beads (24mm)

in stock

Take a look at this exceptionally large strand of jumbo-sized recycled glass beads. Large beads such as these are hard to find and even harder to f...

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$36.00 - $36.00
$36.00
$36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
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Super Jumbo Cobalt Blue Recycled Glass Beads (34mm) - The Bead Chest
$65.00 - $65.00
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$65.00
$65.00 - $65.00
$65.00

Super Jumbo Cobalt Blue Recycled Glass Beads (34mm)

in stock

Take a look at this exceptionally large strand of jumbo-sized blue recycled glass beads. Large beads such as these are hard to find and even harder...

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$65.00 - $65.00
$65.00
$65.00
$65.00 - $65.00
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Light Grey Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (18mm) - The Bead Chest
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$19.00

Light Grey Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (18mm)

in stock

Checkout this beautiful strand of grey color Ashanti glass saucer beads. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used fo...

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Vintage Deep Blue Vinyl Phono Record Beads (14mm) - The Bead Chest
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$45.00 - $45.00
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Vintage Deep Blue Vinyl Phono Record Beads (14mm)

Out of stock

Take a look at this nice strand of beautiful beads made from Phono Records. This exceptional strand measures approximately 30" long with beads meas...

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$45.00 - $45.00
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Aqua Swirl Jumbo Bicone Recycled Glass Beads (24mm) - The Bead Chest
$35.00 - $35.00
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$35.00
$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00

Aqua Swirl Jumbo Bicone Recycled Glass Beads (24mm)

Only 1 left!

Take a look at this exceptionally large strand of jumbo-sized blue recycled glass beads. Large beads such as these are hard to find and even harder...

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$35.00 - $35.00
$35.00
$35.00
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$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00

Blue Old Annular Wound Dogon Beads

in stock

Fabulous strand of old annular wound trade beads also known as "Dutch Donuts". These african trade beads have traveled at least three continents a...

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$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00
$79.00
$79.00 - $79.00
$79.00
Jumbo Bright Medley Bicone Recycled Glass Beads (25mm) - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$45.00
$45.00 - $45.00
$45.00
$37.00
$37.00 - $37.00
$37.00

Jumbo Bright Medley Bicone Recycled Glass Beads (25mm)

Out of stock

Take a look at this exceptionally large strand of jumbo-sized recycled glass beads. Large beads such as these are hard to find and even harder to f...

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$45.00
$45.00 - $45.00
$45.00
$37.00
$37.00 - $37.00
$37.00
Sold out
Light Brown Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest
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$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
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$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
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Light Brown Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm)

Out of stock

These light brown vinyl beads, often referred to as "phono record beads", come out of West Africa and are loved by jewelry designers for their extr...

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$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
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$3.99
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Red Mosaic Jumbo 25mm Fused Beads (Set of 2) - The Bead Chest
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$4.75 - $4.75
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$4.75

Red Mosaic Jumbo 25mm Fused Beads (Set of 2)

Out of stock

This great pair of beads was made in Ghana, West Africa. Each piece is designed by combining small bits of red and yellow glass in a handmade mold ...

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$4.75 - $4.75
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Eye Design Brass Filigree Oval Beads (16x10mm) - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$22.50 - $22.50
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$22.50

Eye Design Brass Filigree Oval Beads (16x10mm)

Out of stock

Take a second to appreciate the intricate detail of these Eye Design Ghanaian Brass Filigree Oval Beads. Brass Filigree beads make for a great char...

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$22.50 - $22.50
$22.50
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Jumbo Cylindrical Bauxite Beads (40x18mm) - The Bead Chest
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$39.00 - $39.00
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Jumbo Cylinder Bauxite Beads (40x18mm)

Out of stock

Bauxite is a type of aluminium ore. All African bauxite beads are hand made and drilled, making these beads very labor demanding. Bauxite beads lik...

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$39.00 - $39.00
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Brass Filigree Triangle Beads - The Bead Chest
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$19.00 - $19.00
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Brass Filigree Triangle Beads

Out of stock

Take a look at these Brass "Triangle" trade beads from Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. The stran...

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$19.00 - $19.00
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$19.00
$19.00 - $19.00
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Eye Design Barrel Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (26x12mm) - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$22.00 - $22.00
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$22.00
$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00

Eye Design Barrel Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (26x12mm)

Out of stock

These Brass trade beads are from Ghana, Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. The strand is about 27" l...

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$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00
$22.00
$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00
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Wound Round Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (19mm) - The Bead Chest
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$24.50 - $24.50
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$24.50
$24.50 - $24.50
$24.50

Wound Round Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (19mm)

Out of stock

Take a look at these round-shaped Ghana Brass Trade Beads from Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. Thi...

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$24.50 - $24.50
$24.50
$24.50
$24.50 - $24.50
$24.50
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Old Jumbo Mali Stone Beads - The Bead Chest
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$69.00
$69.00 - $69.00
$69.00
$59.00
$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00

Old Jumbo Mali Stone Beads

in stock

Mali Stone beads are said to be centuries old because they seem to have been made in a very primitive way. This strand of African beads is 28" long...

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$69.00
$69.00 - $69.00
$69.00
$59.00
$59.00 - $59.00
$59.00
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Plant & Earth Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
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$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00

Plant & Earth Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (8mm)

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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$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
Sold out
Braided Oval Brass Filigree Beads (14x12mm) - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$22.50 - $22.50
$22.50
$22.50
$22.50 - $22.50
$22.50

Braided Oval Brass Filigree Beads (14x12mm)

Out of stock

Check out these distinctive Mini Brass Filigree Oval Cage Beads. If you look closely at these bright brass beads and you will notice a special uniq...

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$22.50 - $22.50
$22.50
$22.50
$22.50 - $22.50
$22.50
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Brown & Black Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$3.99

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...

View full details
$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$3.99
Sold out
Circular Star Brass Filigree Beads (12mm) - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00
$22.00
$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00

Circular Star Brass Filigree Beads (12mm)

Out of stock

Take a moment to appreciate the intricate detail of these Mini Brass Filigree Circle Star Patterned beads. Brass Filigree beads are known for their...

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$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00
$22.00
$22.00 - $22.00
$22.00
Sold out
Dark Purple Recycled Glass Beads (14mm) - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00

Dark Purple Recycled Glass Beads (14mm)

Out of stock

Recycled glass beads are a type of indigenously produced African bead from Ghana West Africa. These beautiful purple color recycled beads are made ...

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$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
Sold out
Yellow Jacket Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
Save 56% Save %
$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$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 %