African Ghana necklace or waist beads, vintage sandcast glass trade bead necklace, 39" long, blue edging red green brown blue dots on white

African Ghana necklace or waist beads, vintage sandcast glass trade bead necklace, 39" long, blue edging red green brown blue dots on white. Over 100 beads make up this necklace

Being handmade, beads will not be uniform and may have small chips or imperfections.

These beads were obtained at an auction over 10 years ago and had been a part of the inventory of a western supply store in the mountains that had been close for 20 years prior. Most of the inventory had been sitting for years. The 1970s is a conservative estimate and they could well be much older.

Traditional glass beads of Ghana are often referred to as Krobo beads, the Krobo mountains being the main area of production. These 'recycled glass' beads were handcrafted in Ghana, Africa by pulverizing old, discarded glass (bottles, windshields, etc), adding colorant and then pouring the powder into crude clay molds. The stem of a local plant is added, this burns away during firing, leaving a hole for stringing. The beads are fired in a primitive, wood-burning earthen oven. Many beads are hand painted with traditional designs and then strung on raffia. The process of making these beads is unique to Africa and has been used for over 1000 years. The Ghanaians have been making beads in this manner since the 1600s. Beads such as these are often worn as traditional waist beads.

► To see more necklaces click this link: http://etsy.me/IAlokT

► To see more Ghana items click this link: https://etsy.me/374lROh

► To see more supplies click this link: http://etsy.me/1omEmGg

► To see more beads click this link: http://etsy.me/2nU7lSp

1. All jewelry items come in a organza or velvet bag and, when able, a gift box.

2. Like my Facebook page to get a 15% off coupon in the about section: http://on.fb.me/16M4TA5

3. Now with free shipping in the United States. If you are out of country and your package is small enough to lower shipping, I will refund any difference over $1.00, after insurance.

4. All measurements are approximate.

5. If you want to save this item for later or make a ‘wish’ list to share with others, click on the ‘favorites’ link next to the ‘add to cart’ link.

6. For questions click on the contact link under shop owner info on the right.

7. To visit my shop click here http://www.etsy.com/shop/maggiescornerstore

8. Gift-wrapping and drop shipping available. Contact owner.

9. For information about our policies go to http://etsy.me/112id32

mom, mother, dad, father, present, gift, vintage jewelry, birthday, Ghana