Mr. Cedi comes from a family who generationally has been making beads. He made his first bead when he was seven years old. Today he still makes that original pattern of bead, but also many other designs. Mr. Cedi explained to us there are five different types of beads. He then demonstrated to us how to make some of the different types of beads.
There are a variety of molds and tools he uses to make beads.
The traditional Krobo beads are made out of glass from bottles.
They are pounded and broken into bits and even into a fine powder depending upon the type of bead that is being made.
These beads are made from recycled old beads.
Glass beads
Beads that are painted and then fired again for the decoration to show.
Larger beads for village chiefs made from a powder of glass (above) with the decoration set into the bead (below).
The circular molds with the small holes (above top) are the templates for the smaller round beads. (below)
Smaller beads that women and children wear around their waist.
Some of the different molds and templates he uses.
After the beads are designed and put into their molds, the beads are then put into an 800-900 degree fire for around a half and hour.
After the beads are cooled, they are then polished on a wet stone and with water.
Ladies then take the time to string them into necklaces and bracelets. The beads can be bought individually, in bulk, or as ready made jewelry.
Alisia making her own beads.
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