SEA GLASS

Large natural green-colored sea glass, hand-wrapped in solid tarnish resistant copper with antique African Trade Bead accents on a leather cord.

I found this lovely sea glass piece strolling on a Gulf Coast beach.

Hung from an 20" pearlized copper colored leather cord

Sea Glass Dimensions:  1 1/2" L x 1" W

Overall Pendant Dimensions:  2 3/4" L x 1" W

AFRICAN TRADE BEADS

Type: Sandcast Powder Krobo West African Trade Beads - Vintage

Region: Ashanti region of Ghana, West Africa

Dimensions: 2 @ 1/2" L,  2 @ 1/4" L

Age: Vintage up to 500+ years old

About African Trade Beads: Sandcast Powder Krobo Beads

Sandcast beads such as these are a traditional craft indigenous to West Africa. The Ashanti region of Ghana is widely known for the quality and craftsmanship of these beads. There are unique patterns and colorations for each design, and are a true demonstration of the arts and culture of the region over hundreds to thousands of years.

Ghana, West Africa is home to the largest bead markets in Africa. Trade beads have a long history in the West African country of Ghana. Ghana beads were once a form of national currency and were used to purchase many different kinds of goods including alcohol, slaves, and even textiles. Evidence of bead production in this area extends over two thousand years. Due to their use in trade, beads in Ghana may have a wide variety of origins that trace ancient and modern trade routes including Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Modern Ghana overlaps with the terrain of the ancient Ghana Empire. The remains of many early riverside trading posts can still be seen today throughout West Africa.

Ghana is one of the most important countries for the manufacture of Krobo beads. This name Krobo, is derived from the fact that a great deal of the powdered glass beads in Ghana are produced by Krobo artisans. Craftsmen from the Ashanti ethnic group are also heavily involved in this production. Beads continue to play a role in traditional Krobo culture where they are used for many different ceremonies such as birth, marriage, death, and coming of age rituals such as Dipo where girls where a large number of beads and perform special dances. African beads are also used as a symbol of status and are worn by community leaders and chiefs. From around 500 years ago, the European traders in their sailing ships used beads as currency to purchase gold, ivory and palm oil etc. on the triangular trading routes from Europe to West Africa then onto the West Indies, to return with produce from the plantations.

The different colors that are used in the design of beads have different symbolism such as blue that represents purity, white that represents fertility, and gold that represents wealth.

tossed in tempest, and not comforted

once something loved and cherished,

now only a memory of what was, barely recognizable

being reborn, and glorified

molded and shaped anew by the raging sea and the sands of time

oh wait - now exquisite, and fresh, and breath, and honored