Ghana Ashanti Bead Making - ethical, responsible, community based tours
Powder glass bead making in Ghana is a unique craft practised only in a handful of villages close to Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti, and others in the Krobo traditional area near Koforidua, close to the southern end of Lake Volta.
The process uses recycled glass from broken bottles, ground into a fine powder, mixed with dyes, and built up in complex patterns in clay moulds. Use of different moulds, dyes, and patterning techniques produces a wide variety of designs.
The beads are then fired in a wood-burning kiln for up to eight hours. Finally they are shaped and polished.
Our workshops are carried out in the village of Dabaa with Michael Asumadu and his family.
Dates are Saturday to Saturday: Feb 7-21, Mar 7-21, Apr 11-25, May 9-23, Jun 13-27, Jul 11-25, Aug 8-22, Sept 12-26, Oct 10-24, Nov 14-28, Dec 12-26. Seven, ten day tours start first Saturday.
Email john@fiema.com to find out more about the Ashanti Arts and Crafts Tours.
Or call me on 01488 686 222
Video for sale 30 minute video of beadmakers explaining and demonstrating their craft £20 buy here.
Brass casting in the village of Kurofofrom