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Zendaya's 3,000-Year-Old Earrings Spark Heritage Debate
18 Jul
Summary
- Zendaya wore 3,000-year-old Iranian gold medallions as earrings.
- Critics argue artifacts should be preserved in museums.
- The jewelry brand defended the use as an artistic statement.
Zendaya has drawn criticism for her choice of accessories at a recent event promoting Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey.' The actress adorned herself with earrings featuring Iranian gold medallions, estimated to be around 3,000 years old, dating back to the 1st millennium BC.
This decision has ignited a debate online regarding cultural heritage and the preservation of ancient artifacts. Critics argue that such valuable items, representing a significant part of human history, should be returned to Iran or housed in museums.
The medallions are reportedly part of the Ziwiye hoard, dating to the 7th century BCE, discovered in Northwest Iran in the late 1940s. A London jeweler mounted these artifacts with diamonds in 18K yellow gold.
The brand stated the discs were set in a "simple noninvasive" manner designed to avoid altering the original objects. They expressed hope that the earrings would highlight Iran's artistic and cultural legacy amidst contemporary geopolitical events.
Zendaya portrays Athena in 'The Odyssey,' an adaptation of Homer's epic. The film also features an ensemble cast and is currently in theaters.
