Treasure as trinkets: Zendaya’s earrings renew debate on ownership of ancient artefacts
Zendaya’s appearance at a London photocall wearing earrings incorporating gold plaques allegedly dating to first-millennium BC Iran has reignited debate over the ownership, trade and public display of ancient artefacts. Critics argue that presenting such objects as luxury jewellery risks obscuring questions about their provenance, legality and the cultural claims of the countries from which they originated.
The earrings were loaned by Mayfair dealer Barron London, which attributes the plaques to the Ziwiye hoard discovered in north-west Iran in the late 1940s and says they celebrate Persian craftsmanship. A petition seeks full provenance records, details of legality checks, independent examination and a pause in any sale; experts stress that even lawfully held antiquities can raise ethical concerns if ownership histories and public access remain unclear.
- Zendaya’s ancient-artifact earrings sparked provenance concerns.
- Petitioners demand transparency from the London dealer.
- Legal ownership may not resolve cultural claims.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters may argue that responsibly sourced ancient artefacts can be displayed or worn in ways that broaden public interest in history beyond specialist museums. They may see high-profile use as an opportunity to draw attention to Iranian craftsmanship and to encourage research, preservation and appreciation of material culture, provided provenance is clear and legal safeguards are observed.
The case against
Critics may argue that treating rare archaeological objects as fashion risks normalising their removal from cultural and archaeological contexts. They contend that such pieces can lose vital historical meaning when separated from their sites of origin, while celebrity exposure may fuel demand in a trade vulnerable to looting and weak provenance. From this perspective, heritage should be protected in collaboration with the communities and countries most closely connected to it.