Bodom and Akosu Glass Beads Loose Ghana MATTER COLLECTION

Bodom beads made of powdered glass originated in Ghana, West Africa. They are distinctive for their large size, material and construction process. Bodoms classically feature a yellow outer layer and dark core and often showcase intricate cruciform designs and other decorative patterns. This bead was likely handmade by the Krobo people of Ghana. This bead is a copy.

The traditional techniques of Bodom bead production have been lost and forgotten, leaving current Ghanaian bead makers without the ability to replicate these prized and mysterious artifacts. While their exact age cannot be determined, the Krobo people believe these beads possess supernatural powers that can bring prosperity and protection to their owners.

Highly valued and increasingly scarce, Akosu (also spelled Akoso) beads are among the most prestigious traditional glass beads of West Africa. Originating in Ghana and associated with the Ewe and Krobo peoples, these beads were symbols of wealth, status, and authority—often reserved for royalty and important ceremonial use.

Handmade using a labor-intensive powdered glass technique, recycled glass was ground into a fine powder, packed into clay molds, and fired in small kilns. Many examples reveal embedded fragments of older Venetian trade beads, adding to their layered history and visual complexity.

Akosu beads are typically recognized by their distinctive shapes—elongated or biconical—and their striking surface decoration. Most feature a yellow base adorned with crossed “U” or loop motifs, stripes, or eye-like patterns in contrasting colors such as blue, black, green, and pink.

Provenance: Matter Collection

From the collection of Margie and Phil Matter. Margie lived in South Africa, and later she and her husband Phil opened a gallery in Tucson. Everything in this collection was in their home for more than thirty years. Africa Direct recently bought the collection; at 95, Margie wants to share the things she has loved so much. 

7 Loose Beads
Bead Size: 13-43 mm. See picture with penny for size comparison (US penny is 19 mm diameter).
12-40mm point to point
Other Dimensions: 6mm hole on the largest bead

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