Zendaya’s appearance with 3,000-year-old pieces sparks global admiration and debate over cultural heritage
Historic jewellery from the Kurdistan Region has attracted international attention after world-renowned actress Zendaya appeared wearing ancient pieces at the premiere of the film “The Odyssey.”
The jewellery, which dates back nearly 3,000 years, sparked widespread reactions among audiences worldwide. The earrings worn by Zendaya were created from ancient gold medallions dating to the 7th century BCE and are believed to be connected to the “Ziwiye Treasure,” discovered in the late 1940s in the Ziwiye area of Sanandaj province in Iranian Kurdistan.
The historic pieces were transformed into a modern jewellery design by renowned London jeweller Glenn Spiro, who set the ancient gold elements in 18-karat gold and diamonds.
Many viewers praised the beauty and craftsmanship of the earrings, noting that their historical character matched the atmosphere of the epic film. However, the appearance also triggered criticism over the use of rare archaeological artefacts as fashion accessories.
Critics argued that such ancient pieces should be protected as part of humanity’s cultural heritage and preserved in museums or returned to their place of origin rather than displayed as luxury items at entertainment events.
The debate surrounding Zendaya’s jewellery has once again highlighted questions about the preservation, ownership, and presentation of ancient artefacts from Kurdistan and the wider region.