{"product_id":"annular-african-trade-beads-recycled-glass-beads-from-ghana","title":"Annular African Trade Beads - Recycled Glass Beads from Ghana","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiscover the beauty of our \u003cstrong\u003eNEW glass fragment African beads\u003c\/strong\u003e, meticulously crafted by the talented artisans of Kroboland in Ghana, West Africa. These exquisite beads are designed to imitate the historic \"Dutch Annular\" glass trade beads, showcasing a rich tradition of bead-making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStrand length:\u003c\/strong\u003e 21 1\/4\" (54 cm)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBead size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 11 - 12 mm in diameter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur beads are made from carefully selected glass fragments, which are cleaned, broken into smaller pieces, and then placed into clay molds. These molds shape the beads, which are then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. This process fuses the glass fragments together, creating beautiful, translucent beads with unique, variegated patterns. Each bead is a testament to the skill and artistry of the Krobo people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYOUR STRAND WILL BE IDENTICAL TO THE STRAND SHOWN IN THE PHOTOGRAPH (GIVEN NORMAL VARIATION SINCE THESE BEADS ARE ALL COMPLETELY HANDMADE).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAbout Krobo Bead-Making Techniques\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Krobo people of Ghana are renowned for their bead-making techniques, particularly the use of recycled glass. Unlike powdered glass techniques that result in opaque beads, the use of larger glass fragments allows for the creation of more translucent beads with a distinctive appearance. The process includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCollection and Preparation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glass bottles and other items are collected, cleaned, and broken into small fragments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMolding:\u003c\/strong\u003e The glass fragments are placed into clay molds to determine the shape and size of the beads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiring:\u003c\/strong\u003e The molds are placed in a kiln and fired at high temperatures, fusing the glass fragments together while preserving some of their original colors and translucency.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinishing:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once cooled, the beads are removed from the molds and often polished or refined to smooth any rough edges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese beads are not only beautiful but also carry cultural significance in Ghanaian society, often used in ceremonies and as symbols of status and identity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore our collection of New African Krobo Glass Beads currently available for sale, or visit our archives of other African-made beads. To learn more about the fascinating bead-making process, watch this video on YouTube.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tribalgh","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68000590463344,"sku":"ckj1793095187087","price":10.36,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1022\/4975\/9088\/files\/annular-african-trade-beads---recycled-glass-beads-from-ghana_1.jpg?v=1793095192","url":"https:\/\/avasparkplug.shop\/products\/annular-african-trade-beads-recycled-glass-beads-from-ghana","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}