Zendaya is facing significant criticism over earrings she wore to promote Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ at a London photocall. The actress paired a white designer dress with earrings made from Iranian gold medallions dating back to the 1st millennium BC, making them approximately 3,000 years old, igniting immediate debate about cultural heritage and artifact preservation.
Divided social media reaction
The internet appears sharply divided on Zendaya and her stylist’s decision to incorporate the earrings into the star’s press looks for the film. Critics voiced strong concern about the appropriateness of wearing such ancient artifacts as jewelry. “These 3,000-year-old Iranian earrings should be returned to Iran, or at the very least be preserved in a museum,” one user on the internet wrote. “No one has the right to use such ancient artefacts, as they are extremely valuable and represent an important part of humanity’s cultural heritage,” another said.
Many online users argued the 3,000-year-old Iranian gold medallions belong in museums, saying historical artefacts should be protected rather than worn as jewellery.Image credit (Instagram)
However, some observers took a different perspective on the choice. A user even suggested, “She probably wore them TO PROMPT discussion. It’s definitely a discussion to have” indicating that some viewed the decision as a deliberate statement meant to spark conversation about cultural heritage and preservation.
Some social media users supported Zendaya’s look, suggesting the historic jewellery encouraged wider discussion about cultural heritage, provenance and preservation.Image credit (Instagram)
Those who oppose the decision cited the less intrusive way of mounting the objects and that the wearable displays draw attention to the craftsmanship of the past, rather than putting them in a museum’s collection.
The history and mounting of Zendaya’s controversial earrings
According to CNN, the medallions were part of the Ziwiye hoard, described as a collection of Median-period art dating to the 7th century BCE. The artifacts were discovered in Northwest Iran during the late 1940s. The relic was mounted by a London jeweler with diamonds in 18K yellow gold and is believed to have been part of a collection that transformed various artifacts into jewelry.
The earrings feature gold medallions from the Ziwiye hoard dating back to the 1st millennium BC, reigniting conversations about cultural heritage, preservation and ownership.Image credit (Instagram)
The jewelry brand that acquired the artifact told the outlet that the discs are held in a “simple noninvasive” claw setting designed to “not alter or damage the original objects in any way.” The brand also appeared to comment on the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. “At a time when Iran is frequently viewed through the lens of contemporary events, we hope these earrings can serve as a reminder of the country’s enduring artistic, cultural and historical legacy,” the statement continued.The London jeweler previously told the Galeria magazine in a 2025 interview about the philosophy behind transforming historical artifacts into wearable pieces. “You can wear something around your neck that dates back thousands of years but is still contemporary and cool” the craftsman stated.The jewelry brand further addressed the preservation question, stating: “Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about provenance, preservation and the appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship.”
The actress stars as Athena in Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’, currently playing in theatres.Image credit (Instagram)
Zendaya’s role in ‘The Odyssey’Zendaya plays Athena, the daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom and war, in the much-anticipated adaptation of Homer’s epic. In a May interview with Elle, the Emmy winner reflected on her casting in the role. “I don’t know what that is, I just feel like I’ve been here before,” she said, describing a sense of connection to the character.‘The Odyssey’, currently in theatres, also features Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o and Cate Blanchett in major roles. The film marks Nolan’s ambitious adaptation of the legendary Greek narrative.
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