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About this Workshop

Description

In this Workshop you will join me to make a bracelet using Ghanian beads and the Gye Nyame symbol.  

'Gye Nyame' (pronounced 'Gee-Nah-May' or 'Geen-Yah- May') is in the beautiful Akan language spoken throughout Ghana, and means "None is greater than God the Creator."  The Gye Nyame symbol, of all the Adinkra symbols, is of central importance to regal Akan people, as it synthesizes the rich principles of faith found in several traditional Afrikan spiritual traditions.

The Gye Nyame symbol has been used for many decades now to express deep belief in the Supreme being.  This symbol is used by the Akans to express their deep faith in an omnipresent God, who is called by many other names, such as “Onyame” or “Onyakopon,” among others.  When you look closely at the symbol, you will notice that it depicts a person inside of a hand, which expresses the fact that we are held in the hand of God.

Some suggest that the use of this symbol by the Akan people shows that the Akan had a highly advanced written language that transmitted religious and cultural concepts, and also might have had an extensive knowledge of astronomy.

The Gye Nyame symbol is not only appreciated for its amazing meaning, but also for its beautiful structure, which is why it is so often used for decorative purposes.  There are many accessories that incorporate the Gye Nyame symbol that you would love, including necklaces, pendants, earrings, rings, and bracelets.

I am excited to meet you and for us to make a Gye Nyame bracelet together.

This craft is suitable for ages 10+ as it requires a degree of dexterity.

What You'll Need

GLOkit What's a GLOkit?

glokit

Ghanaian Gye Nyame Bracelet GLOkit

This GLOkit contains black, round glass beads, a charm depicting the Gye Nyame symbol, and elastic thread.

GLOkit Included
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Additional Supplies

Learners will also need:

  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Fast drying glue preferred, Elmer's Glue will also work
  • Older Learners can use a lighter or matches instead of glue

 

Technical Requirements

You will need a device (computer or tablet) that is equipped with a camera, microphone, and speakers. For more information, please check out our Technical Requirements page.

Meet the Instructor

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Prisca GonnetyView Profile

Hello, I am Prisca from Ghana, and I am thrilled to be your GLOMADO Instructor!  I enjoy meeting new people, and I love to find ways to help them have amazing experiences.  I love crafting and being creative, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge of crafting with people who are ready to learn and discover new things.  In my Workshops you will learn what bead making is all about, its importance in our culture, and what it symbolizes for us.  I am very excited to impart this knowledge to my GLOMADO Learners!  

Beads are among the most intriguing and important symbols in Ghana's cultural past and present.  The materials used in making beads or beadwork are of the largest variety, from bone to glass. The colors and sizes, the significance of the materials chosen, and the placements of beads (either on the body, clothing or accessories, among other uses) denotes perspective, experience, feelings, beliefs and power.

I started crafting at the age of fourteen, when I realized that I loved working with my hands and that I had a talent for craft-making.  I also love to sing, as it keeps me calm and makes me happy.  I love people and I love to smile, as it helps others know you can get through the day if you just smile. 

I love living in Ghana, because we Ghanaians are proud of our culture and love welcoming people from outside to integrate and mix in with our local customs and way of living.  Ghana is famous for its nice people, and it is one of the most peaceful countries in Africa.  Ghanaians are extremely friendly, helpful and polite people.  There are a lot of places to visit, such as beautiful beaches, waterfalls, historic castles and wildlife parks.  Greet any Ghanaian with a smile, and ask anything about their culture, country or food, and they will love to answer!

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NOTE: You can choose any available date on the calendar and rest assured that your GLOkit(s) WILL arrive before your workshop time! We only display dates/times that allow time to ship.

Workshop Reviews

4

Workshop Rating
(1 reviews)

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Hard but fun

by Sandra on

Easy to follow instructions but hard to get the string through the beads. The kids were a bit frustrated at first because the string seemed a bit thick for the size of the holes in the beads. Once they got past that first bead it became easier. They enjoyed it. They did it at school on two different days. We partnered each learner with a student helper each time. All students had the chance to be a helper and to be a learner.

GLOMADO replied on

We are happy to hear that the Learners enjoyed their Workshop and thank you so much for this feedback!  Prisca has developed a technique to help the beads go through the string more easily, so hopefully it will be an even better experience in the future.  Thank you again for these comments!

workshop poster

Ghanaian Gye Nyame Bracelet