Actress Zendaya is facing public backlash after wearing a pair of earrings made from ancient Iranian artifacts during a London press event for the Christopher Nolan film The Odyssey. The jewelry, which consists of gold medallions dating back to 700 BC, has sparked a debate over the ethics of using looted cultural heritage as fashion accessories.
Provenance of the Ziwiye Hoard
The earrings are believed to originate from the Ziwiye hoard, an archaeological treasure discovered in northwestern Iran in 1947. According to theguardian.com, the hoard—which included terracotta, bronze, silver, and gold—was looted by shepherds. A 2015 research paper indicates that surviving pieces were sold in antique markets outside of Iran during the 1960s and are currently distributed among private collections and various museums.
The specific gold medallions worn by Zendaya were acquired by British jeweler Glenn Spiro and subsequently became part of the private collection of the Mayfair-based dealer Barron London. The pieces are described on Barron London’s website as a pair of Ziwiye gold medallion plaques, circa first millennium BC Iran,
which were mounted with diamonds in yellow gold by Spiro.
Criticism and Cultural Concerns
Critics and experts have described the use of these artifacts for a Hollywood movie promotion as a “hijacking” of Iran’s contributions to the arts and humanity. Sussan Babaie, an Iranian-born art history professor at the Courtauld Institute, told theguardian.com it was “shocking” that the decision was made, arguing that such objects are world heritage with potentially important spiritual connotations rather than accessories. Babaie stated that using them as symbols of beauty strips the items of their meaning.
Archaeologist and producer Dr. Annelise Baer noted that while Zendaya wearing the items is a secondary fact, the primary ethical issue is that the earrings are made out of looted antiquities.
Some social media users further labeled the choice as “hypocritical” or American audacity,
citing the current conflict between the United States and Iran. Babaie described the situation as “maddening” that Iranian antiquities are being glamorized while American funds are used to bomb Iran, potentially destroying historical and cultural sites.
Response from Jewelry Dealer
Barron London defended the use of the artifacts, stating to CNN that the ancient gold discs are held in a non-invasive claw setting
that does not damage or alter the original objects. The dealer stated that the intention behind the loan was not commercial and that the earrings were intended to serve as a reminder of Iran’s enduring artistic, cultural and historical legacy
at a time when the country is often viewed only through contemporary events.
The company further asserted that the earrings are responsibly stewarded
in accordance with all applicable legal requirements and their documented provenance. While some netizens viewed the choice as a “genius move” to pay tribute to ancient Iranian history, others accused Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, of failing to respect Iran’s cultural heritage.
Context of the Appearance
Zendaya, who plays the goddess Athena in The Odyssey, wore the earrings as part of a method dressing
strategy to complement the film’s ancient Greek theme. According to 7news.com.au, she paired the jewelry with a white dress by the luxury brand Jacquemus. As of the latest reports, Zendaya’s team has not publicly commented on the controversy.
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