During a London press event for the film The Odyssey,actress Zendaya wore ancient Iranian gold earrings. These 3,000-year-old Ziwiye hoard artifacts have sparked a heated debate regarding the ethics of using historical treasures as fashion accessories .
The 3,000-year-old Ziwiye hoard on a London red carpet
The earrings worn by Zendaya are not merely luxury jewelry; they are significant archaeological artifacts dating back to the first millennium B.C. According to CNN, these ancient Iranian gold medallion discs were part of the famous Ziwiye hoard discovered in the 1940s. to prepare them for the press tour, London-based jeweler Glenn Spiro utilized a noninvasive claw setting to ensure the pieces were secured without altering the original metalwork.
The gallery Barron London defended the decision to feature the earrings, framing the moment as a celebration of Iran's artistic legacy. By bringing these pieces to a high-profile event in London, the gallery aimed to highlight exceptional craftsmanship during a period of significant geopolitical tension in the region.
The Iranian outcry over the use of Ziwiye gold
Many observers, including archaeology students and Iranian citizens, have expressed profound upset regarding the display of these artifacts... Critics argue that items of such immense historical value belong in public museums for study and preservation rather than being used as temporary accessories for a Hollywood promotional tour. Some social media users identified as Iranian noted that these pieces represent a part of their cultural patrimony that may have been removed from the country under questionable circumsances.
The debate touches on the sensitive issue of repatriation and the ethics of how ancient objects are owned and displayed in the West. For those who view the earrings as part of a stolen national heritage, seeing them on a red carpet feels less like appreciation and more like the commodification of history.
Comparing the moment to Kim Kardashian’s 2022 Met Gala dress
This fashion choice draws direct parallels to the controversy surrounding Kim Kardashian when she wore Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress to the 2022 Met Gala. In that instance, the fragility of the historical garment led to widespread criticism regarding the risks of exposing delicate artifacts to the public eye.. Similarly, historians have raised concerns that the Ziwiye earrings could be damaged by the intense lighting, handling, and travel required for a global press tour.
While some fans argue that Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, are providing valuable visibility to ancient art, others suggest that high-quality replicas would have achieved the same goal without the inherent physical risks. This tension highlights the ongoing struggle between the desire for celebrity-driven cultural awareness and the strict requirements of archaeological stewardship.
The silence from Law Roach and the mystery of provenance
Significant questions remain regarding the specific details of the earrings' journey to the red carpet. As reported by the Daily Mail, Zendaya’s representatives and her stylist Law Roach have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the ethics of the choice. This lack of communication leaves the public to wonder about the exact provenance of the Ziwiye hoard pieces currently held by Barron London.
Without a formal statement, the conversation remains stuck between two extremes: those who see a beautiful tribute to ancient craftsmanship and those who see a reckless disregard for the sanctity of global heritage. As The Odyssey prepares for its July 17 release,the conversation surrounding Zendaya's wardrobe may prove to be as enduring as the gold she wore.
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