Zendaya (29) is currently at the center of a controversial debate due to an extraordinary piece of jewelry. For a photo shoot promoting Christopher Nolan's new film The Odyssey, the actress wore earrings made from approximately 3,000-year-old Iranian gold medallions. While some celebrate the historic jewelry as a tribute to cultural heritage, critics raise questions about the handling of ancient artifacts and their provenance.
Ancient Gold Medallions as Earrings
For the press event in London, Zendaya paired a white dress by French fashion house Jacquemus with striking earrings by London jeweler Glenn Spiro. What makes them special: The pieces of jewelry consist of gold medallions from the 1st millennium BC and are therefore approximately 3,000 years old.
According to Britannica, the medallions come from the so-called Ziwiye Hoard, a significant collection of art objects from the Median period of the 7th century BC. According to CNN, the artifacts were discovered in northwestern Iran in the late 1940s.
Spiro had the historic gold discs set in 18-karat yellow gold with diamonds. The earrings belonged to his collection Materials of the Old World, in which historic objects are transformed into modern jewelry. According to jewelry company Barron London, which later acquired the pieces, the medallions were attached using a simple prong setting, so that the original objects were neither altered nor damaged.
Mixed Reactions Online
On social media, Zendaya's appearance quickly sparked controversial discussions. Some users praised the presentation of the historic pieces and argued that the artifacts were thereby preserved while simultaneously being brought to a wider audience.
Others expressed clear criticism. They take the view that objects of such historical significance should not be worn as jewelry, but should be kept in museums or in their country of origin. Several comments demanded that the approximately 3,000-year-old medallions be returned to Iran. They are a significant part of cultural heritage and should not become luxury accessories. "Especially items that come from a region that is currently being bombed by the US," one user wrote. "Cultural heritage is not a fashion accessory."
Barron London emphasized in a statement to the network that cultural heritage stimulates important discussions about provenance, preservation, and appreciation of historic objects. At the same time, the company explained that the earrings should also serve as a reminder of Iran's long history of art and culture - especially at a time when the country is often perceived primarily in connection with current political conflicts.
Goddess Looks for The Odyssey
For the film's promotional tour, Zendaya is once again being styled by star stylist Law Roach. Together, they are opting for looks reminiscent of figures from Greek mythology, thereby referencing the world of The Odyssey.
In the film, the Emmy winner takes on the role of the goddess Athena, daughter of Zeus and goddess of wisdom and war. Zendaya had already explained beforehand that the character felt like perfect casting for her.
Alongside Zendaya, the ensemble of Christopher Nolan's adaptation of the famous Homeric epic, which is now running in theaters, includes Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, and Cate Blanchett, among others.
Criticism of Filming in Western Sahara
Zendaya's jewelry choice is not the only thing causing controversy around The Odyssey. The film's production has also been under criticism for months. Christopher Nolan had parts of the adaptation of Homer's epic filmed in the Western Saharan coastal city of Dakhla - an area that is considered internationally disputed and is largely controlled by Morocco.
