Lot 120
A reproduction of The Malia Bee pendant/brooch
21st century
Auction: 02 December 2026 from 10:00 GMT
Description
The pendant/brooch modelled as two bees clasping a drop of honey below a cage and bead motif, suspending three disc drops, stamped 585 28.44
Dimensions
Width: 6.2cm
Footnote
The present lot is a reproduction of a Minoan brooch that originally dates from around 1800 BC. The two bees are holding what is presumed to be a piece of honeycomb with drops of honey in their mouths: the imagery is intended to represent honey production as both this and wax were considered significant pillars of the Minoan economy. Within society, bees are also believed to have held an important place in their religious ideology as well as being symbols of fertility and rebirth. The decorative and stylistic elements seen on the brooch also demonstrate significant technical skill in the original work as it combined filigree, granulation, repoussé and incised decoration. Taken together, the imagery, technical execution and gold material all combine to demonstrate the prosperity of the ruling class in Minoan Crete during the period of the First Palaces.