Looking to add a genuine piece of Ashanti culture and design to your next jewelry collection? You’ve come to the right place! Our numerous selection of ethically sourced Ashanti beads from Ghana are going to blow your mind. From our beautiful Ashanti Saucer beads to our amazing assorted mixes of vintage love beads your options when it comes to Ashanti beads are endless!

The Ashanti people are an ethnic group native to the West African, Ashanti region located in Ghana. The most commonly spoken language by the Ashanti people is a dialect of Twi. The ancient culture of the Ashanti people was a wealthy and rich society. The original Ashanti empire was founded in 1670 and developed into booming society due to its domestic trade items, such as, jewelry and bullion. Interestingly enough the Ashanti society is a matrilineal society and traces its lineage through females. Because of the matrilineal nature of the Ashanti society familial and land rights are determined by one's relations to women and not men. 

Ashanti beads and pendants are truly a sight to behold. The Ashanti like many other tribes in Ghana make a variety of glass trade beads, saucer beads and pendants. The Ashanti people are especially known for Ashanti Talking Beads. Ashanti Talking Beads are worn for the purpose of communication. Strands of Ashanti talking beads come in many different colors. Each color on the talking bead strands has individual significance. It is said by the Ashanti people that when strands of talking beads knock against one another when worn, they make unique sounds and noises that only those among the Ashanti people can understand as language. Throughout Ashanti history talking beads were traditionally worn on simple strings of Venetian trade beads. Although, today you can see Ashanti talking beads mixed with recycled glass beads as well. One of the most popular uses for Ashanti talking beads is for women. Many Ashanti women will wear waist chains of Ashanti talking beads to create noise by swaying their hips when walking. It’s believed that the noises made when wearing Ashanti talking bead waist chains will attract the attention of the men.

Now that you know a little bit more about Ashanti culture, why not try incorporating some Ashanti beads into your new jewelry designs. So please feel free to browse our curated section of Ashanti beads! We know you won’t be disappointed.