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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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Orange Phono Record Vinyl Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest Sold out
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Orange Phono Record Vinyl Beads (3mm)

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Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a nice orange color. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they a...

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$6.00 - $6.00
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Pink Blue Medley Phono Record Vinyl Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest Sold out
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Pink Blue Medley Phono Record Vinyl Beads (3mm)

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Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a pink-toned medley. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where they a...

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Light Grey Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest Save 67% Save %
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Light Grey Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm)

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These unique vinyl beads come in a hard-to-find light grey color. Often referred to as vulcanite beads, or African waist beads, these fun beads mea...

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Maroon Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest Sold out
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Maroon Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm)

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Take a look at this unusual strand of maroon color African Phono Record beads. The strand measures approximately 31" in length with individual bead...

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Pink Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (8mm) - The Bead Chest
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Pink Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (8mm)

in stock

These pink-toned vinyl beads are joyful and fun. Beads such as these are traditionally worn as waist beads in West African countries like Ghana and...

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Translucent Cobalt Blue Ghana Glass Seed Beads - The Bead Chest
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Translucent Cobalt Blue Ghana Glass Seed Beads

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Add a little luster to your jewelry designs with these translucent Ghana glass seed beads. Individual beads measure 2-4mm wide by 4mm diameter with...

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Translucent Turquoise Ghana Glass Seed Beads - The Bead Chest
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Translucent Turquoise Ghana Glass Seed Beads

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Add a little luster to your jewelry designs with these turquoise blue translucent Ghana glass seed beads. Individual beads measure 2-4mm wide by 4m...

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Translucent Red Ghana Glass Seed Beads - The Bead Chest
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Translucent Red Ghana Glass Seed Beads

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Add a little luster to your jewelry designs with these red translucent Ghana glass seed beads. Individual beads measure 2-4mm wide by 4mm diameter ...

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Cobalt Blue Vintage Prosser Button Beads (9mm) - The Bead Chest
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Cobalt Blue Vintage Prosser Button Beads (9mm)

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Sliced Prosser Beads, otherwise known as button beads, get their name from their unique shape. These beads originated in the former Czechoslovakia ...

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Crimson Red Ghana Glass Seed Beads (5mm) - The Bead Chest
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Crimson Red Ghana Glass Seed Beads (5mm)

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This strand of vibrant crimson red beads comes from the West African country of Ghana. Each bead measures approximately 2-4 x 5-6mm with strand len...

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Small Christmas Beads (Rainbow Medley)

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Traditional Christmas beads comprise of a special blend of choice beads created in former Czechoslovakia for use in Africa. Also known as "African ...

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Rare Rectangular Fancy Venetian Trade Beads - The Bead Chest
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Rare Rectangular Fancy Venetian Trade Beads

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WOW! Take a look at this beautiful antique strand of Venetian trade beads! Trade Beads such as these are handmade by master artisans by individuall...

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Krobo & Fused Recycled Medley Glass Beads - The Bead Chest
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Krobo & Fused Recycled Medley Glass Beads

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

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Venetian-Style Ghanaian Krobo Beads - The Bead Chest
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Venetian-Style Ghanaian Krobo Beads

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Wow! Take a look at this super colorful medley of Krobo Beads. The unique designs on each bead are inspired by antique Venetian trade beads. The be...

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$16.00 - $16.00
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Jumbo Opaque Pink Recycled Glass Beads (27mm) - The Bead Chest
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Jumbo Opaque Pink Recycled Glass Beads (27mm)

in stock

These beautiful recycled glass beads are handmade by artisans in the West African country of Ghana. Each bead is individually handcrafted through a...

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$35.00 - $35.00
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Rainbow Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest
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$9.00
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$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$3.99

Rainbow Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm)

Out of stock

Take a look at this beautiful strand of African vinyl beads in a special rainbow medley. Beads such as these are found in Ghana and Nigeria where t...

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$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$3.99
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Cameroon-Style Ghana Brass Filigree Globe Beads (18mm, Long Strand) - The Bead Chest
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Cameroon-Style Ghana Brass Filigree Globe Beads (18mm, Long Strand)

Out of stock

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

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$22.50 - $22.50
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Dark Grey Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest
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Dark Grey Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (10mm)

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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$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
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Light Grey Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest
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Light Grey Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (10mm)

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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$12.00 - $12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00 - $12.00
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Purple Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (14mm) - The Bead Chest
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Purple Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (14mm)

Out of stock

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

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$12.50 - $12.50
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$12.50 - $12.50
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Spring Medley Fused Rondelle Recycled Glass Beads (13mm) - The Bead Chest
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Spring Medley Fused Rondelle Recycled Glass Beads (13mm)

Out of stock

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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$14.00 - $14.00
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Garnet Purple Ghana Glass Seed Beads (3mm) - The Bead Chest
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Garnet Purple Ghana Glass Seed Beads (3mm)

Out of stock

Add a little luster to your jewelry designs with these translucent purple Ghana glass seed beads. Individual beads measure 2 x 3mm with approximate...

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$5.00 - $5.00
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Vintage White Flower Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest
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Vintage White Flower Beads (10mm)

Out of stock

These vintage Czech beads derive their name from their resemblance in the cross section to the shape of a flower. Like Prosser beads, this design w...

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$65.00 - $65.00
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Black & White Flower Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest
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$65.00 - $65.00
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Black & White Flower Beads (10mm)

Out of stock

These vintage Czech beads derive their name from their resemblance in the cross section to the shape of a flower. Like Prosser beads, this design w...

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$65.00 - $65.00
$65.00
$65.00
$65.00 - $65.00
$65.00
Sold out