Zendaya faced a lot of criticism for the earrings she wore to promote Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ at a photocall in London. 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, which immediately ignited a debate about cultural heritage and artifact preservation.
Reaction on social media was divided
The internet appears to be sharply divided over Zendaya and her stylist’s decision to include earrings in the star’s press junket for the film. Critics have expressed great concern about the appropriateness of wearing ancient items such as jewelry. “These 3,000-year-old Iranian earrings should be returned to Iran, or at least preserved in a museum,” wrote one internet user. “There is no right to use such ancient artifacts, because they are extremely valuable and represent an important part of the cultural heritage of humanity,” said another.
Many online users have argued that Iran’s 3,000-year-old gold medallions belong in museums, saying historical artifacts should be protected rather than worn as jewelry. Image credit (Instagram)
However, other observers took a different view of the choice. One user even suggested, “Maybe he wore them TO PROMPT discussion. This is definitely a discussion with” which shows that others see the decision as a deliberate statement meant to stimulate conversation about cultural heritage and preservation.
Some social media users supported Zendaya’s look, suggesting that the historic jewelry encourages a broader discussion about cultural heritage, origins and preservation. Image credit (Instagram)
Those who opposed the decision cited the less disruptive way of placing the objects and that the wearable displays draw attention to the craftsmanship of the past, rather than placing it in a museum collection.
The history and rise of Zendaya’s controversial earrings
According to CNN, the medallions are part of the Ziwiye hoard, which is described as a Median period art collection dating back to the 7th century BCE. The artifacts were discovered in Northwest Iran in the late 1940s. The relic was mounted by a London jeweler with diamonds in 18K yellow gold and is believed to be part of a collection that includes a variety of jewelry artifacts.
The earrings feature gold medallions from the Ziwiye hoard dating back to the 1st millennium BC, dominating conversations about cultural heritage, preservation and ownership. Image credit (Instagram)
The jewelry brand that acquired the artifact told the outlet that the discs were made 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 often viewed through the lens of contemporary events, we hope these earrings will serve as a reminder of the country’s enduring artistic, cultural and historical heritage,” the statement continued.The London jeweler previously said: Gallery magazine at: an interview in 2025 about the philosophy behind transforming historical artifacts into functional pieces. “You can wear something around your neck that dates back thousands of years but is still contemporary and cool,” says the craftsman.The jewelry brand further addresses the question of preservation, saying: “Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about the origin, preservation and appreciation of unique craftsmanship.”
The actress stars as Athena in Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of Homer’s ‘The Odyssey’, currently playing in cinemas. Image credit (Instagram)
Zendaya’s role in ‘The Odyssey’Zendaya plays Athena, daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom and war, in the highly anticipated adaptation of Homer’s epic. In a May interview with Elle, the Emmy winner reflected on her casting for the role. “I don’t know what that is, I feel like I used to be,” he says, describing a sense of connection to the character.‘The Odyssey’, now in cinemas, also stars 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 tale.
