Stories and facts

For the Krobo people in southeastern Ghana, beadmaking has been an important tradition since the 12th century. It is a key part of their identity, similar to how gold is valued by the Ashanti.

These glass beads, crafted from crushed, recycled glass, are made in family workshops where skills pass from one generation to the next.

Every necklace or strand has its own meaning. The colours, sizes, and patterns can show a person’s status, beliefs, or important life events.

From birth, beads mark important moments in life. Tiny beads are tied to a child’s wrist or neck as protection and to welcome them into the world.

During the Dipo puberty rite, young Krobo girls wear beads around the waist, ankles, and neck to signify maturity, heritage, and beauty.

These adornments are not merely decorative; they carry messages about family ties, lineage, and readiness for adult life.

Beads are used for more than personal decoration. They play important roles in ceremonies, healing, and royal events. Certain beads, such as bone beads or those with unique designs, are thought to bring spiritual balance or offer protection.

Chiefs and queen mothers in traditional leadership wear special bead regalia. These beads show their authority, their connection to the past, and their responsibilities to the clan.

Today, beads remain prominent in weddings, festivals, funerals, and public events across Ghana. While contemporary fashion trends have introduced new styles, communities maintain the practice of wearing beads during key rites and celebrations.

Beads have also become an important craft for local economies. Trips to markets and craft centres in towns like Koforidua highlight their ongoing role in tourism, livelihoods, and cultural preservation.

Ghanaian beads are more than just ornaments. They represent a living heritage. Each hand-crafted bead, with its colours and patterns, tells a story of tradition, identity, faith, and art.

These simple yet profound objects carry beauty and meaning that resonate with past, present, and future generations.

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