Hollywood star Zendaya recently attracted attention for her red carpet appearance. However, her jewellery choice created a wider discussion about cultural heritage, ownership, and ethics.
While promoting Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey in London, Zendaya wore a custom white Jacquemus gown. She completed her look with rare gold earrings featuring 3,000-year-old Iranian gold discs.
The earrings came from the historic Zivia treasure. Barron London, an antique dealer based in London, provided the jewellery pieces. The design combined ancient gold craftsmanship with modern touches, including 18-carat yellow gold and diamonds.
The History Behind the Zivia Treasure
The gold discs originated from the Zivia treasure, discovered in 1947 near Saqqez in Iran’s Kurdistan region.
Villagers found the treasure before archaeologists arrived at the site. The collection reportedly contained hundreds of ancient artefacts. Over time, many pieces moved into international markets.
This history has created questions about ownership and the journey of these cultural objects.
Zendaya’s Jewellery Choice Sparks Debate
Many people praised Zendaya’s fashion style and the historical value of the earrings. However, others questioned the use of ancient artefacts as luxury accessories.
Critics highlighted concerns about cultural preservation and the movement of heritage items outside their countries of origin.
They argued that ancient objects represent a community’s history and identity. Therefore, they believe such pieces require careful handling and respect.
Experts Discuss Cultural Ownership Concerns
Historian and author Zirrar Ali criticized the growing trend of celebrities wearing historical artefacts.
He said such displays can sometimes represent “one culture asserting ownership over the heritage of another.”
The debate around Zendaya’s earrings reflects a larger conversation about museums, private collections, and cultural responsibility.
As fashion brands continue using historical pieces, discussions about ethical ownership and preservation will likely continue worldwide.
