Powdered glass beads are the most popular beads of Western Africa. These are being made in Krobo and the surrounding regions of Ghana for centuries. In ancient Africa these beads were considered to be the most valuable item, whose worth was even greater than that of gold.

These powdered glass beads formed an important trading item of the west during 16th century. Earlier it signified social ranking and wealth of a person. It was also given as a gift to show affection and love. Now, it is considered as an important mode of beautification.

Process
The making of powdered glass beads require good technical skill and proper application of mind. There are two process of making powdered glass beads. The first process involves the breaking of recycled glass and old beads, which are first powdered and then poured into molds. In the second process, glass is first ground into powder but unlike first process no molds are used. In this method glass fragments are fused together using binders like Arabic resin or saliva and spread over grass stem or bottle glass core. After fusion beads are rolled in other fragments.

Popular Forms
The powdered beads are available in different shapes, sizes and colors. After the glass is powdered, they are mixed with different chemical and natural dyes which act as a coloring agent for the beads. The beads are available in all range of colors. These beads are adorned with many pleasing designs. However, the striped patterns are more frequently used. The available shapes of the beads are circular, square, cylindrical, oval, spherical etc.

Once the beads are manufactured, they are polished with oil for the gloss and lusture. The polished beads find their application in various ornaments and domestic decors. The style, ethnic appeal and its multipurpose use has made it as one of the most popular beads of Africa.