Arheologi osupli in ogorčeni: zvezdnica si je nadela 3000 let stare uhane spornega izvora

A controversy has erupted over the appearance of American actress Zendaya at the London premiere of her film Odyssey, where she was seen wearing 3,000-year-old gold medallions believed to have originated from the Ziwiye Hoard in modern-day Iran. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from archaeologists and historians who argue that the use of such artifacts as jewelry is ethically problematic, especially given their disputed provenance and the geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States. At the event, Zendaya was photographed with ornate gold plaques, which had been transformed into earrings by jeweler Glenn Spiro as part of his collection titled Materials of the Old World. These items were later purchased by the London-based jeweler Barron London. The company stated they welcome informed discussions about the origins, preservation, and value of exceptional craftsmanship, adding that they hope the earrings could serve as a reminder of the enduring artistic, cultural, and historical legacy of the region. Archaeologists have raised concerns about the ethical implications of repurposing ancient artifacts for commercial use. Professor Peter Edwell, an honorary professor of history and archaeology at Macquarie University in Australia, described the items as having a controversial background. He noted that the Ziwiye Hoard was looted before systematic archaeological excavations took place, leading to its dispersal among private and public collections. According to Edwell, the trafficking of such artifacts is often linked to criminal networks engaged in sophisticated, multi-tiered international practices. Historian and art specialist Zirrar Ali from London criticized Zendaya's choice of earrings as "unrefined," particularly considering the timing of her appearance amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions. He pointed out that Israel and the United States have conducted attacks in the region, resulting in more than 3,000 deaths and tens of thousands injured. These conflicts have also led to widespread destruction of invaluable cultural heritage sites. The controversy has extended beyond academic circles, with many social media users expressing outrage. The Iranian Forensic Archive has launched a petition demanding transparency regarding the origin of the gold discs. Archaeologist Lauren Lien from the University of Liège in Belgium strongly opposes the trend of wearing genuine artifacts that were likely looted, stating that this practice sustains illegal trade and undermines the work of experts dedicated to the ethical preservation and protection of cultural objects. Lien emphasized that the transformation of archaeological artifacts into jewelry is a contentious issue. Unlike restoration efforts aimed at preserving items for future generations, the process of repurposing involves irreversible actions such as drilling, cutting, coloring, and reshaping. These processes cannot be undone, raising serious questions about the long-term impact on the integrity of historical artifacts. The debate highlights broader issues surrounding the ownership and treatment of cultural heritage. As the situation unfolds, the response from Zendaya and the companies involved will be crucial in determining how such controversies are addressed in the future.