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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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Green Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest Sold out
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$4.99
$4.99 - $4.99
$4.99

Green Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm)

Out of stock

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

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$14.00
$14.00 - $14.00
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$4.99
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Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads - The Bead Chest Sold out
$149.00 - $149.00
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Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads

Out of stock

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

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$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
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$149.00 - $149.00
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Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads - The Bead Chest Sold out
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00

Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads

Out of stock

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

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$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
Sold out
Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads - The Bead Chest Sold out
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00

Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads

Out of stock

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

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$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
Sold out
Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads - The Bead Chest
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$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00

Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads

Out of stock

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

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$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
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Beige Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (14mm) - The Bead Chest
$12.00 - $12.00
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$12.00

Light Orange Ashanti Glass Saucer Beads (14mm)

in stock

Checkout this beautiful strand of Ashanti glass saucer beads. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used for over 1000...

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

Out of stock

Checkout this beautiful strand of Ashanti glass saucer beads. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used for over 1000...

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$12.00 - $12.00
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Saucer-Shaped Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (20mm) - The Bead Chest
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Saucer-Shaped Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (20mm)

Out of stock

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

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$24.50 - $24.50
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Circular Cross Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (20mm) - The Bead Chest
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$22.50 - $22.50
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$22.50
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$22.50

Circular Cross Ghana Brass Filigree Beads (20mm)

Out of stock

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

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$22.50 - $22.50
$22.50
$22.50
$22.50 - $22.50
$22.50
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$16.00 - $16.00
$16.00
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$16.00

Mixed Interlocking Fused Recycled Glass Beads

in stock

Admire this beautiful medley of fused recycled glass beads molded in the shape of traditional Mauritanian Kiffa trade beads. Each strand of beads i...

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$16.00 - $16.00
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Jumbo Pastel Green Recycled Glass Beads (23mm) - The Bead Chest
$27.00 - $27.00
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$27.00

Jumbo Pastel Green Recycled Glass Beads (23mm)

in stock

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

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$27.00 - $27.00
$27.00
$27.00
$27.00 - $27.00
$27.00
Pastel Green Recycled Glass Beads (11mm) - The Bead Chest
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$10.00 - $10.00
$10.00
$10.00
$10.00 - $10.00
$10.00

Pastel Green Recycled Glass Beads (11mm)

Out of stock

From the scenic villages of Ghana, these stunning artisan Pastel Green Recycled glass beads are made by hand by talented craftsmen. Beads like this...

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$10.00 - $10.00
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Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00

Antique Venetian Millefiori African Trade Beads

Out of stock

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

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$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
$149.00
$149.00 - $149.00
$149.00
Sold out
Maroon & Green Antique Matching Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads - The Bead Chest
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$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00
$295.00
$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00

Maroon & Green Antique Matching Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads

Out of stock

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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$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00
$295.00
$295.00 - $295.00
$295.00
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Yellow Antique Matching Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads - The Bead Chest
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$285.00 - $285.00
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$285.00
$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00

Yellow Antique Matching Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads

Out of stock

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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$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00
$285.00
$285.00 - $285.00
$285.00
Sold out
Red & Green Antique Matching Venetian Trade Beads - The Bead Chest
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$349.00 - $349.00
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$349.00
$349.00 - $349.00
$349.00

Red & Green Antique Matching Venetian Trade Beads

Out of stock

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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$349.00 - $349.00
$349.00
$349.00
$349.00 - $349.00
$349.00
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Yellow & Red Antique Matching Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads - The Bead Chest
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$395.00 - $395.00
$395.00
$395.00
$395.00 - $395.00
$395.00

Yellow & Red Antique Matching Venetian Millefiori Trade Beads

Out of stock

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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$395.00 - $395.00
$395.00
$395.00
$395.00 - $395.00
$395.00
Sold out
Antique Brown Venetian King Beads #12442 - The Bead Chest
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$395.00 - $395.00
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$395.00 - $395.00
$395.00

Antique Brown Venetian King Beads #12442

Out of stock

Admire this unique strand of authentic antique King Beads. Often displayed as a symbol of status, beads such as these derive their name through the...

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$395.00 - $395.00
$395.00
$395.00
$395.00 - $395.00
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Antique Yellow Venetian King Eye Beads - The Bead Chest
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$325.00
$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00
$275.00
$275.00 - $275.00
$275.00

Antique Yellow Venetian King Beads

Out of stock

Admire this unique strand of authentic antique Venetian King Beads, which are part of the "King Bead" family. Often displayed as a symbol of status...

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$325.00
$325.00 - $325.00
$325.00
$275.00
$275.00 - $275.00
$275.00
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Vibrant Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest
$14.00 - $14.00
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$14.00

Vibrant Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm)

in 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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$14.00 - $14.00
$14.00
$14.00
$14.00 - $14.00
$14.00
Bright Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm) - The Bead Chest
$14.00 - $14.00
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$14.00
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$14.00

Bright Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (10mm)

in 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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$14.00 - $14.00
$14.00
$14.00
$14.00 - $14.00
$14.00
American Pastel Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm) - The Bead Chest
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$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$3.99

American Pastel Medley Vinyl Phono Record Beads (6mm)

Only 4 left!

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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$9.00
$9.00 - $9.00
$9.00
$3.99
$3.99 - $3.99
$3.99
Save 56% Save %
Midnight Rainbow Vinyl Phono Record Beads (4mm) - The Bead Chest
Save 50% Save %
$7.00
$7.00 - $7.00
$7.00
$3.50
$3.50 - $3.50
$3.50

Midnight Rainbow Vinyl Phono Record Beads (4mm)

in 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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$7.00
$7.00 - $7.00
$7.00
$3.50
$3.50 - $3.50
$3.50
Save 50% Save %
Antique Black Venetian Skunk & Mixed Trade Beads #12437 - The Bead Chest
Sold out
$349.00 - $349.00
$349.00
$349.00
$349.00 - $349.00
$349.00

Antique Black Venetian Skunk & Mixed Trade Beads #12437

Out of stock

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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$349.00 - $349.00
$349.00
$349.00
$349.00 - $349.00
$349.00
Sold out