Zendaya faces backlash after wearing ancient Iranian jewellery dating back to 700BC during the press tour for Christopher Nolan's Odyssey. The earrings, part of the famed Ziwiye hoard, sparked outrage among archaeologists and cultural heritage experts who accuse the Hollywood star and her stylists of cultural insensitivity.
The Controversy: Ancient Artefacts as Accessories
At a London photocall, Zendaya—who plays the goddess Athena in the film—donned a pair of earrings fashioned from Iranian artefacts. The pieces were supplied by Barron London, a Mayfair gallery that acquired them from jeweller Glenn Spiro in 2025. According to Barron, the artefacts are attributed to the Ziwiye hoard, a trove of gold, silver, bronze and terracotta discovered in north-western Iran in 1947 and later looted by shepherds. A 2015 research paper notes that surviving pieces were “sold in antique markets out of Iran in the 1960s” and are now scattered across museums and private collections.
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Expert Reactions: ‘A Hijacking of Iran’s Contributions’
Prof Sussan Babaie, an Iranian-born art historian at the Courtauld Institute, expressed “outrage” at the use of the artefacts. She said: “It is shocking to see that no one thought maybe this is not a good idea. There is not enough cultural knowledge and cultural sensibility among those who dress celebrities, those who accessorise them.” The backlash adds to long-standing scrutiny of Western institutions that hold ancient artefacts, with critics labelling the act a ‘hijacking’ of Iran’s cultural heritage.
Comparison: Similar Celebrity Artefact Controversies
| Celebrity | Item | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Zendaya (2025) | Ziwiye hoard earrings | Public apology expected |
| Kim Kardashian (2020) | Indigenous headdress | Removed after backlash |
| Rihanna (2018) | Chinese imperial robe | Expressed regret |
These cases highlight a recurring pattern: celebrities using culturally significant items as fashion statements without understanding their provenance.
Key Takeaways
- Zendaya wore 700BC Iranian earrings at an Odyssey event.
- Archaeologists call it a ‘hijacking’ of Iran’s heritage.
- The Ziwiye hoard was looted and scattered globally.
- No statement yet from Zendaya or her stylist.
- This follows a trend of celebrity cultural appropriation controversies.
What’s Next?
Representatives for Zendaya and her stylist have been contacted for comment. As the row continues, many are calling for greater cultural awareness in Hollywood styling. The incident also reignites debates about repatriation of ancient artefacts to their countries of origin.
FAQ
Why are archaeologists outraged about Zendaya's earrings?
Archaeologists argue that using irreplaceable, culturally significant artefacts as fashion accessories trivialises Iran’s ancient heritage and encourages the commodification of looted objects.
What is the Ziwiye hoard?
The Ziwiye hoard is a collection of gold, silver, bronze and terracotta objects discovered in north-western Iran in 1947. It was looted shortly after, and many pieces now reside in museums and private collections worldwide.
Has Zendaya responded to the backlash?
As of now, representatives for Zendaya and her stylist have not issued a public statement. The article notes that they have been contacted for comment.
How can celebrities avoid similar controversies?
Celebrities and stylists should research the provenance of vintage or antique items, consult cultural experts, and avoid using objects with clear archaeological or sacred significance as mere accessories.
Stay tuned to GrandGoldman.com for updates on this story and more celebrity news.
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