In a poignant plea for justice, descendants of Zimbabwean heroes who resisted British colonial rule are urging the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to be among the looted skulls held by these institutions. The descendants, linked to the first chimurenga uprising of the 1890s, have formally requested a collaborative effort to identify and return the remains of six ancestors, offering DNA samples to support the investigation. This appeal highlights ongoing concerns about the legacy of colonialism and the need for reparative action.
Historical Context of the Chimurenga Uprising
The chimurenga, or “struggle,” refers to a series of uprisings by Zimbabweans against British colonial forces, with the first major rebellion occurring in the late 19th century. Prominent figures, such as Chief Chingaira Makoni, played vital roles in these resistance efforts. Captured in 1896 during a battle against the British South Africa Company, Makoni was executed and beheaded, his skull believed to be among those taken to England. The descendants of such leaders feel a deep sense of loss and injustice stemming from these historical events, with calls for recognition growing louder.
In a recent correspondence, eight descendants of these freedom fighters expressed their frustration with the lack of acknowledgment from UK institutions regarding the provenance of the remains. “This is not just about the past,” they asserted. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” Their insistence on establishing a taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK underscores the urgency of the situation.
Institutional Responses and the Call for Action
In 2022, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge reported that they had not identified any remains corresponding to the chimurenga heroes. This announcement has been met with disbelief and disappointment from descendants and Zimbabwean officials alike, sparking renewed calls for accountability. The descendants have now proposed a collaborative approach to trace the contested remains, advocating for a thorough examination of archives and collections.
Chief Makoni’s descendant, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, articulated the emotional toll of this historical injustice: “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period… If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.” The call for repatriation is not merely a quest for physical remains but a crucial step in healing historical wounds.
In their recent letters, the descendants highlighted that the UK has lagged behind other European nations, such as France and Germany, in addressing the provenance of human remains taken during colonial times. This lack of progress has been further underscored by a recent report revealing that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively hold over 11,800 African human remains, with Cambridge and the Natural History Museum possessing the largest collections.
The Path Forward
Despite the Natural History Museum’s previous commitment to repatriate remains from Zimbabwe, progress appears to be stagnant. An all-party parliamentary group focused on Afrikan reparations recently noted that no significant advancement has been made since the museum’s formal decision to repatriate in 2022. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, expressed concern that insufficient research has been conducted to determine the identities of the remains in question.
A spokesperson for the Natural History Museum indicated that they have not found evidence linking the remains to specific individuals, asserting that they are awaiting guidance from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps. Meanwhile, the University of Cambridge has acknowledged the claims of at least one identified Zimbabwean individual in their collection and is also waiting for a response from Zimbabwean authorities.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of ancestral remains is not merely an issue of historical ownership; it is a vital part of addressing the enduring impacts of colonialism. For many Zimbabweans, the return of these remains signifies a pathway to healing and reconciliation. The descendants’ determination to reclaim their heritage reflects broader global movements advocating for reparations and justice for historical injustices. By confronting the legacy of colonialism and facilitating the return of cultural and spiritual heritage, institutions can take meaningful steps toward reparative justice, fostering a renewed relationship between former colonial powers and the nations they once oppressed.
