African King beads, bi-cone recycled glass from Ghana, handmade using old traditional technique with simple tools. Made by local artisans
They are known as King beads because it is believed they were worn by tribal kings and chiefs during the slave trade as a symbol of power and prosperity (especially the yellow versions)
Today they are still valued, especially in traditional ceremonies of the Krobo ethnic group, famous for glass bead-making in Ghana, and available in a variety of colours (and some will sell newly made ones as antique!!!)
can be used for both jewellery and crafts
approx 13 – 15 mm with 2.5- 3 mm hole
strand of 19-20 beads
about 14 mm in the middle, tapering to 6-10 mm at both ends
sizes are approximate and slight variations occur because they are handmade