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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 blue color recycled beads are made us...
View full detailsThese Brass "Elbow" trade beads are from Ghana, Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. The strand is abou...
View full detailsTake a look at these round-shaped Ghana Brass Trade Beads from Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. Thi...
View full detailsAdmire this special strand of venetian glass beads. These beads are said to be 50 to 100 years old, although their exact age is unknown. Pay attent...
View full detailsThese blue glass beads smooth and relatively uniform in shape. The large 1.5-2mm hole makes them great for leather beading or other thicker cord. W...
View full detailsA beautiful strand of Polka Dot Eye Beads, made to resemble the older Eye beads produced in Italy in the 1800 early 1900. The idea of the eye bead...
View full detailsTake a look at these round-shaped Ghana Brass Trade Beads from Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. Thi...
View full detailsRecycled glass beads are a type of indigenously produced African bead from Ghana West Africa. These beautiful pink color recycled beads are made us...
View full detailsCheckout this beautiful strand of translucent pink white hearts! The strand measures approximately 24", with beads measuring about 5mm wide by 7mm ...
View full detailsA beautiful strand of Christmas Krobo powder glass African beads, made by the people of Krobo Mountain (Ghana, West Africa), reproducing old Veneti...
View full detailsBeautiful strand of glass beads in a nice multicolor color. The strand has approximately 58 beads and measures 29" in length. Each bead measures 10...
View full detailsThis uniquely patterned strand of rondelle beads is made using traditional methods used to create powder glass beads. The procedure for making the ...
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 Brass trade beads are from Ghana, Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. The strand is about 25" lo...
View full detailsThese Brass trade beads are from Ghana, Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. The strand is about 30" l...
View full detailsThese stunning pink recycled glass beads are truly outstanding. Coming in such a striking shade, these pink glass beads are going to make your jewe...
View full detailsBeautiful strand of glass beads in a nice multicolor color. The strand has approximately 50 beads and measures 30" in length. Each bead measures 13...
View full detailsTake a look at this exceptionally large strand of jumbo-sized brown recycled glass beads. Large beads such as these are hard to find and even harde...
View full detailsTake a look at this beautiful strand of brown recycled glass beads. You will receive a 25" strand with approximately 50 beads. Recycled glass beads...
View full detailsThese unique cowrie shell beads were found in Ghana West Africa. Natural shell has long been used for jewelry making and ornamental arts in Contine...
View full detailsTake a look at these beautiful West African shells often referred to as "porcupine shells." Each one of these special gems was hand collected from ...
View full detailsThese Brass round cylindrical trade beads are from Ghana, Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique.
A beautiful strand of powder glass African beads, made by the people of Krobo Mountain in Ghana, West Africa. Many designs of Krobo beads are patte...
View full detailsTake a look at these bicone-shaped Ghana Brass Trade Beads from Africa. Each bead is made individually through the "Lost Wax process" technique. Th...
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