Krobo beads from Ghana
Named after the tribe of the most popular bead hub in Ghana – Krobo Odumase – these beads were originally made with clay until the powdered glass method was introduced and accepted. Scrap glass, broken bottles, broken window pieces amongst others are pounded into a powder form and then mixed with a binder.
They are then cast in readily made shapers, baked and painted with colourful designs. Krobo beads are characterized by different shapes and sizes.
The Krobos use these beads during rites of passage ceremonies and festive occasions. Also, Krobo beads are found among the royalty in Ghana who wear different colours and designs to depict wealth and the clan they belong to.