ORDER OF VALOR
Identity: Ahhotep, Queen
Material: Gold
Period: New Kingdom, 18th Dynasty
Reign: Ahmose
Dimensions:
Length (Chain): 59 cm
Length (Fly): 9 cm
Weight: 249 g
This necklace, with three pendants in the form of flies, was given to queen Ahhotep by her two sons Kamose and Ahmose in gratitude for her supportive role during the struggle for liberation against the Hyksos.
The presence of this type of gold jewelry, which corresponds to a military decoration bestowed upon military leaders for their courage in the battle field, is unique in a queen's collection. It is made of stylized flies formed of plaques of gold with two bulging eyes and an open work body.