Hollywood actor Zendaya has drawn sharp criticism after appearing at a photocall for director Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey in London wearing earrings crafted from ancient Iranian gold medallions dating to the 1st millennium BC — making the artefacts approximately 3,000 years old. The controversy has reignited global debate over cultural heritage, provenance, and the fine line between appreciation and appropriation.

The Artefacts at the Centre of the Controversy

The medallions are part of the Ziwiye hoard — also known as the Ziwiye treasure — a collection of Median-period art dating to the 7th century BCE, as described by Encyclopaedia Britannica. The hoard was discovered in Northwest Iran in the late 1940s and is considered a significant piece of ancient Iranian cultural heritage.

The medallions were mounted by London jeweller Glen Spiro, set with diamonds in 18-karat yellow gold. They are believed to have been part of Spiro's Materials of the Old World collection, which has previously transformed various historical artefacts — including a 62-carat Colombian emerald and gold sourced from the West African Baoulé tribe — into contemporary jewellery pieces.

What the Jewellery Brand Said

A fine jewellery brand that reportedly acquired the artefact from Spiro issued a statement defending the design, saying the discs are held in a 'simple noninvasive' claw setting so as to 'not alter or damage the original objects in any way.'

'Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about provenance, preservation and the appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship,' the brand said in a statement. The brand also appeared to reference the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which reportedly began in March, adding: '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.'

Public Reaction: A Divided Internet

Online opinion appears sharply split. Critics argue that mounting ancient artefacts into commercial jewellery — regardless of how non-invasive the setting — commodifies cultural heritage that arguably belongs to Iran. Others contend that the pieces draw attention to a civilisation whose artistic legacy is often overshadowed by contemporary geopolitics.

Notably, Zendaya's styling was handled by longtime collaborator Law Roach, who curated the earrings as part of a broader look inspired by the film's themes. Zendaya plays Athena — daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom and war — in Nolan's much-anticipated adaptation of the Homer epic.

The Broader Provenance Question

The controversy sits within a wider global reckoning over the ownership and display of artefacts removed from their countries of origin, often during colonial-era excavations or informal digs. The Ziwiye hoard's dispersal across private collections and international markets has itself been a subject of debate among archaeologists and Iranian cultural authorities for decades. This is not the first time high-profile fashion choices have intersected with contested heritage — but the combination of a globally recognised celebrity, an ancient Islamic civilisation's artefacts, and an active geopolitical conflict gives this episode unusual weight.

As the release of The Odyssey approaches, the conversation around Zendaya's photocall look is unlikely to fade quickly.