The original Malia honeybees pendant was discovered at Chryssolakkos, the burial ground outside the palace of Malia on Crete. It represents two bees, with wings raised, holding a honeycomb of fine granulated gold between their legs, sipping from a drop of honey or nectar.
The pendant is thought to date to ca 1800 BC and is in the Heraklion Museum. This exquisite craftsmanships demonstrates the sophisticated technical knowledge of the Minoans, for whom the bee was a sacred creature and an integral part of daily life.