There are so many beads on the market today. It may be overwhelming for someone who is contemplating on starting a bead based business. Learning the different beads are a task in itself. The articles that we publish on our site is an attempt to make that process a little easier. A simple bead guide if you will. Today, I will discuss the process for making the Krobo beads. First, I would like to begin with a short historical explanation.

The Krobo are a people of Ghana West Africa from the Manya Krobo District located in the Eastern Region of the country. The usage of Krobo beads in Krobo society are indispensable in regards to cultural passages and rights that are still practiced today. Some of the practices include the following: rituals that signify birth, coming of age, marriage and funerals are just a few to name. There are two types of Krobo beads that are produced in the Krobo region. The two types are Powder glass and translucent glass beads. The process begins with glass being pulverized or ground into a powder form. The glass is usually taken from old broken bottles, old windows and various other sources of glass products. Some glasses of special colors used in the bead making process to add a wonderful variety of decorative styles and effects making each piece a true masterpiece in there own right.

Special disc shaped clay molds with depressions are set out on the ground or table. The pulverized glass is poured into each depression until all of the holes are full. If it is a multi level bead consisting of different colors then the mold is filled at different intervals with different colors and fired in a mud kiln until the process is complete. Once the pulverized glass has fused the beads have come out of the kiln. Next, they are perforated with a pointed metal tool while the glass is still red hot. Many of the Krobo beads will have a final step of being hand painted with decorative motifs. After the painting is completed the beads are then fired again.

I have photo pics below that were taken by myself in the Krobo region which show the process.