Red and Gold Trade Bead Necklace Ruth Flynn Collection

Vulcanite is a hard, moldable rubber that has been formed by “vulcanizing” natural rubber through a curing process that involves high heat and the addition of sulfur. The result is a hard substance sometimes called “ebonite” that was used in the Victorian period to make mourning jewelry, combs, ornaments, and buttons. Queen Victoria was known to wear it in tribute to her deceased husband, Albert. Today vulcanite is popularly used in the form of “heishi” in strands of beads.

Provenance: Ruth Flynn Collection

Africa Direct has bought a wonderful collection of beads and trade bead necklaces designed and made by Ruth Flynn.

Ruth says, I first fell in love with African beads when my middle child (of 5!) decided at age 13 to spend a semester going to school in Bamako, Mali, and live with my sister who was there with the World Bank. Africa Direct provided so many opportunities for me to learn about beads and make my own necklaces. I wore African bead necklaces almost every day of my career as a lawyer in Washington, DC."

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