SKU: 14177333703

Rare Heirloom Akoso Powder Glass Bead Necklaces from Ghana (Ewe, Asante)

Sale price$354.60 Regular price$394.00
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Description

Rare Heirloom Akoso Powder Glass Bead Necklaces from Ghana (Ewe, Asante)Rare Heirloom Akoso Powder Glass Beads from Ghana Approx. 36" long Bead Approx. 7mm x 9mm to 11mm x 17mm Origin is Ghana, West Africa Sold by the strand. Price is per ONE strand. These are African made powder glass beads which are historically called "Akoso Beads". The origins and date of manufacture for these beads is still in dispute but bead scholars have dated most examples to the late 1800's to the early 1900's Antique Akoso and Bodom Ghanaian

  • Rare Heirloom Akoso Powder Glass Beads from Ghana 
  • Approx. 36" long
  • Bead Approx. 7mm x 9mm to 11mm x 17mm
  • Origin is Ghana, West Africa
  • Sold by the strand. Price is per ONE strand.
  • These are African-made powder glass beads which are historically called "Akoso Beads". The origins and date of manufacture for these beads is still in dispute but bead scholars have dated most examples to the late 1800's to the early 1900's
  • Antique Akoso and Bodom Ghanaian powdered glass beads are recognized as usually having a thin yellow outer layer sometimes covering a dark gray or black core (Akosa Beads do not always have a dark core). They often display trailed cruciform designs and other hot worked decorative patterns possibly executed over updraft furnaces. The exact methods of Akosa and Bodom bead making is now a lost and forgotten technique which is no longer practiced by the current bead makers of Ghana.
  • Akoso Beads were created from antique recycled glass trade beads of European origin (which were broken or damaged and considered no longer high value beads on their own) which were ground to a fine powder. There are also theories that the outer shell of Akoso and Bodom Beads were created from powdered "Hebron Beads" which traveled over Islamic Trade Routes into Sudan, and later Nigeria; the rich yellow ochres and vibrant teal blues and greens seen in Akokso and Bodom Beads might certainly support that theory. The powder was then placed in a mold and fired in open air ovens until the powdered glass fused into solid glass. Many of these old Akoso Beads have fragments of old Venetian Trade Beads that were melted still visibly imbedded in them.
  • The larger and more sought after "Akoso" beads have double "U" shaped criss-cross patterns. How this pattern was applied is another controversy. Some scholars say this pattern was pre-formed of molten glass and hot worked onto the beads, while others say they were formed in the molds or transferred from secondary molds prior to the beads being made.
  • The larger Bodom Beads are most often associated with the Asante People and Kingdoms, whereas the Akoso Style is often referred to as "the Beads of Ewe Kings". Most of the older African powder glass beads like "Akoso" and "Bodom" Beads are still somewhat of a mystery and research on them continues today. In Africa, especially Ghana (where they originated), these beads are held in the highest esteem and usually only worn for celebrations, funerals, and are often buried with the dead. The Asante and Ewe People believe these Bodom beads when buried have supernatural powers to multiply themselves and protect their owners. To the Asante and Ewe People of West Africa, Akoso and Bodom Beads are "worth their weight in gold", and are relegated to use and ceremonial wear of the elite and wealthy in Ghanaian Culture and Kingdoms. 
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    SKU: 14177333703

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    Tabitha Williams
    Grantham, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Not for Aggressive Chewers
    Color: Orange & Blue
    My Dog Loves them. He immediately took the squeaker out, and dismantled some of the legs, but he still runs around trying to play tug-of-war and fetch with the dismembered body piece's 😂☺️
    WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
    Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2026
    A
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    Amy C
    Chelsea, US
    ★★★★★ 4
    Well made
    Color: Orange & Blue
    Very durable,great stitching, bright colors,my two dogs however could care less about these Lol my one dog likes balls my other dog seems to only like brown toys
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    Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2026
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    Dawn H.
    New York, US
    ★★★★★ 3
    Didn't even last an hour!
    Color: Orange & Blue, Color: Orange & Blue
    I had high hopes for these toys as the description sounded like they might be not easily destructible. Well, I was dissapointed again. Our shih-poo (half shih-tzu/ half minature poodle) had one of the toys apart in an hour. See photo.
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    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026
    S
    Verified Purchase
    Serena
    Lowell, US
    ★★★★★ 3
    Stuffed with Plastic
    Color: Orange & Blue
    So these are super cute and they have crinkle sounds and a squeaker, but these would not be suitable for chewers. The have plastic stuffing in the legs and my dog almost choked on it...so I just have to tell you that these may be ok for smaller dogs but mine is 30 pounds and he ripped through it and started eating the plastic crinkle stuffing.
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    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2026
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    Literally doesn’t work
    Whiting, US
    ★★★★★ 5
    Great Value Toy
    Color: Crinkle Duck (Blue), Size: Large, Color: Crinkle Duck (Blue), Size: Large
    This toy has been one of my dog’s absolute favorites. He gets excited every time he sees it and will carry it around the house, toss it in the air, and keep himself entertained for a long time. The shape and texture seem perfect for him, and it quickly became one of his go-to toys over everything else in his basket. What I really like is that it holds up reasonably well for the price. It’s definitely not indestructible, and after a lot of play, it will sometimes start to rip—usually around the feet first since that’s where my dog tends to grab and chew the most. But honestly, considering how affordable it is, I don’t mind replacing it when needed. It’s inexpensive enough that rebuying feels worth it because he genuinely loves it that much. I’d rather keep buying a toy he is obsessed with than spend more on something that just sits untouched. It’s fun, cute, and keeps him happy, which is what matters most. Overall, I’d definitely recommend it for dogs who love plush toys and playful chewing.
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    Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2026

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