Ghana Beadwork Project

"Requesting you to come and teach us." That was the phrase in the message box of an email I received on June 11th of this year. It was written on behalf of some fifty artisans who live in two rural communities in the Krobo district of Ghana. These men and women use ancient, traditional methods to make the distinctive, colorful, recycled-glass beads for which the district is famous. But, as is so often the case, precious little of the profit from the sale of the beads is going to the artisans who create them.

The writer of the email, having seen a jewelry design I'd had published in Bead & Button magazine, decided to enlist my help in correcting this situation. It was the beginning of a cross-cultural exchange of ideas, inspirations, techniques, products, artistry, and marketing abilities that promises some beneficial long-term results on both sides of the globe.

The original plan was for me to visit for a few weeks and teach the Krobo bead makers about Western beading techniques and materials, meanwhile taking the opportunity to learn their traditional bead-making techniques. But the scope of the project has broadened considerably over the two months I have been communicating with the project's instigator, Rudolf Yeboah, director of the Ghanaian NGO, Afromeric Youth. It soon became clear that what was really needed in Manya Krobo was assistance with developing beaded products that will sell well in overseas markets. This realization highlighted the need for establishing retail markets that can be dealt with directly, without the crippling expense of exploitative middlemen. This, in turn, brought up such issues as packaging, shipping, labeling, accounting, import/export laws, and qualifying for the Fair Trade Federation's nod of approval.

Starting to feel a bit over my head, I recruited my niece Megan Metzger of Chattanooga, Tennessee in order to broaden the skill base that can be made available to the Ghanaian bead workers. Megan, a recent graduate of Macalester College in Minnesota, will be the creative mind and liaison for many of the marketing-related issues. The purpose of our first visit, which will span the entire month of November, 2007, is fourfold: to help the Krobo artisans broaden their repertoire of beading skills; to acquaint them with Western tools and materials while exploring less expensive, locally available substitutes; to assist them in developing attractive, imaginative beaded products that embody the richness of Krobo culture while meeting world-market standards of quality and consistency; and to bring back to the U.S. a knowledge of Krobo traditions and techniques that will enrich the field of bead arts on this side of the Atlantic.

The Krobo bead workers are ready to empower themselves, both as artisans and as citizens. Their goal is to create a sustainable means of income that adequately reflects the time and skills required to make their unique, gloriously colorful glass beads. In the process, they will also be raising their communities' overall standard of living, with a particular emphasis on affording better education for their children.

Many people have been incredibly generous with their time and other resources to make this trip become a reality. There is absolutely no way it could have happened without their help. I want to be sure that they know how much I appreciate everything everyone has done and given. My heartfelt thanks to each one of you. You've restored my faith in the goodness of humanity.

Please contact Melody with any questions or offers you may have about helping on this project. We are in the start-up phase, and we can certainly use the support, but there are a number of issues to be aware of before any kind of commitment should be made.