Zendaya’s 3,000‑Year‑Old Iranian Earrings Trigger Archaeological Criticism

Actress Zendaya wore earrings made from ancient Iranian gold medallions at the press launch of Christopher Nolan’s film “The Odyssey.” The medallions are said to originate from the disputed Ziwiye treasure, dating to roughly 1,000 BCE. Designer Glenn Spiro transformed the medals into earrings set with diamonds and 18‑karat gold, and stylist Law Roach paired them with a white dress for the event in London.

Archaeologists and cultural‑heritage advocates have condemned the use of the artifacts, arguing they should remain in museums or be repatriated to Iran. Critics note the pieces were looted after the original find in north‑west Iran in the late 1940s and later entered the art market without documented excavation. The controversy has been amplified by ongoing geopolitical tension involving the United States, Israel and Iran.