Beads are very much a part of Ghana’s culture from way back. Not only were they used as decoration, beads also showed a person’s status and wealth. Beads were a form of currency as well. Beads are an integral part of Ghana’s history.
Different kinds of beads are made in Ghana. The Recycled Glass Bead is by far the most well known. These beads are still being made today. I have had the opportunity to watch them being made many times. Each time I am struck by the intensive labour that is involved in making these beads. Having watched them being made has enhanced their beauty for me. We have become tired of mass produced stuff. Hand made objects are finding their place again. Well, Ghana is way ahead of us. Recycled Glass Beads are incredibly hip. Not only are they made of recycled bottles – so being green – they are also handmade and hand painted.
Old bottles are crushed to make translucent glass beads or ground into a fine powder to make opaque beads.
Then the crushed glass or powder is placed into moulds.
And then these crucibles or moulds filled with glass powder are cooked in wood burning ovens made of termite clay.
Then the cooked bead is allowed to cool and then are removed from the mould.
The cooled bead is then hand painted (and will be fired again)
Then the bead is washed…
the beads are sorted and strung ready for the markets..
At the market….
Aren’t they gorgeous ??… Funky Frog has brought some of these beads home! Check it out here ….