Zendaya’s Ancient Earrings Controversy: The Ziwiye Treasure, Persian Heritage, and the Debate Over Cultural Ownership

The Debate Over Orientalism and Ancient Iranian Art

One of the strongest criticisms surrounding Zendaya’s earrings involved the concept of Orientalism.

Orientalism describes the way Western representations have historically portrayed societies of the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa through simplified or exoticized images.

Critics argue that ancient objects from countries such as Iran are often appreciated internationally for their beauty while their deeper historical meanings are ignored.

According to this perspective, the issue is not simply the jewelry itself but the broader question:

Are ancient cultures being respected, or are they being consumed as luxury aesthetics?

Some historians argue that displaying ancient Iranian artifacts on Hollywood red carpets can unintentionally reinforce unequal relationships between Western celebrity culture and non-Western heritage.

July 24, 2026 | 7:37 pm