The controversy surrounding Zendaya's earrings has renewed debate on ownership of ancient artefacts and cultural heritage. At a London photocall for The Odyssey, the actress wore gold earrings allegedly crafted from plaques dating back to the 1st millennium BC, attributed to the Ziwiye hoard discovered in Iran. The Mayfair gallery Barron London, which owns them, claims the jewellery celebrates ancient Persian artistry. But academics and heritage advocates argue the pieces may be illicit antiquities, calling for full provenance disclosure.
What Are the Earrings Made Of?
The earrings feature gold medallion plaques with repoussé work, mounted with diamonds by jeweller Glenn Spiro. Barron London says they are from the Ziwiye hoard, a famous 1940s discovery in north-west Iran. However, no official documentation confirms their legal export or ownership chain. Such lack of provenance is a red flag for antiquities experts.
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Ziwiye Hoard: A Brief History
The hoard includes gold and silver objects from the first millennium BC, blending Assyrian, Scythian, and Persian styles. Many pieces were dispersed illegally after discovery. Today, repatriation claims by Iran remain unresolved.
| Perspective | View on Earrings |
|---|---|
| Barron London | Legal, celebrated ancient artistry; encourages appreciation |
| Academics (e.g., Dr. Christos Tsirogiannis) | Suspicious provenance; likely illicit; celebrities should avoid |
| Iranian Heritage Groups (e.g., Forensic Archive of Iran) | Demand full provenance, independent examination, and possible repatriation |
Why the Backlash?
Dr. Christos Tsirogiannis of the Swiss Federal Office of Culture expressed surprise that Zendaya's team did not protect her from such controversy. Romina Frohar of the Forensic Archive of Iran launched a petition calling for Barron London to publish the complete provenance, reveal legal checks, permit object examination, and suspend sale. The core issue: who has the right to own and display ancient cultural artefacts?
Key Takeaways
- Provenance matters – Without clear records, ancient artefacts may be looted or illegally traded.
- Celebrity influence – High-profile endorsements can legitimize questionable practices.
- Cultural heritage – Artefacts hold value beyond aesthetics; they represent national identity.
- Legal gaps – Many countries lack laws to prevent ancient artefacts from entering luxury markets.
FAQ
What is the Ziwiye hoard?
The Ziwiye hoard is a collection of gold and silver artefacts dating from the 1st millennium BC, discovered in north-west Iran in the late 1940s. It includes jewellery, plaques, and ritual objects blending multiple ancient cultures.
Why are Zendaya's earrings controversial?
The earrings are allegedly made from plaques of the Ziwiye hoard, whose legal export and ownership are unverified. Academics and Iranian heritage groups claim they may be illicit antiquities, and they have called for full provenance disclosure.
What does the petition demand?
The petition, launched by the Forensic Archive of Iran, demands that Barron London publish complete provenance, reveal legal checks, permit independent examination, and suspend sale of the earrings until their legality is confirmed.
Can celebrities help protect cultural heritage?
Yes – by refusing to wear or promote objects with uncertain provenance, celebrities can reduce demand for illicit antiquities. Experts urge them to request due diligence before accepting loans.
This incident highlights the ongoing struggle between art market interests and heritage preservation. As Zendaya's earrings continue to make headlines, the debate over who truly owns ancient history is far from over.
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