The descendants of notable figures from Zimbabwe’s first chimurenga uprising are urging British institutions, particularly the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been looted during colonial times. This plea reflects a growing movement to address historical injustices and the repatriation of cultural heritage.
A Call for Collaboration
Relatives of freedom fighters who stood against British colonial rule in the late 19th century are seeking the return of several skulls believed to be part of the collections at these institutions. Eight descendants have formally requested the museums collaborate in a taskforce aimed at locating six specific ancestors’ remains. They have expressed a willingness to provide DNA samples to facilitate the search.
This initiative follows a 2022 report from both institutions that claimed they had not identified any remains belonging to the chimurenga heroes, a statement that has sparked outrage among the descendants and Zimbabwean officials. In recent letters, the families emphasised the need for a thorough examination of the contested remains and archives, arguing that the issue at hand extends beyond mere historical records—it touches on the institutions’ capacity to address colonial violence and its lingering repercussions.
Historical Context and Personal Stories
Among those leading the campaign is Chief Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, who fiercely resisted British settlers’ encroachment on his land. Captured and executed by British forces in 1896, his skull is believed to be among those taken to the UK. Gwasira articulated the ongoing emotional toll of this loss, stating, “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period.” He emphasised that recognising and returning these remains is vital for healing, asserting, “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.”
The historical significance of the chimurenga heroes is profound, as they are revered figures in Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence. Their resistance efforts are deeply intertwined with national identity, and the continued absence of their remains is a painful reminder of colonial injustices.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Challenges
Despite their commitments, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have faced criticism for insufficient action. The museum’s trustees made a decision in late 2022 to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains in its collections, yet an all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations recently voiced concerns that no significant progress has been made towards this goal over the past three years.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, expressed scepticism regarding the adequacy of the research conducted by these British institutions to ascertain whether they indeed possess remains of the first chimurenga heroes. “Because people long believed that all the chimurenga heroes’ remains were in the UK, we are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she remarked, highlighting the need for transparency and cooperation.
In response to the growing calls for repatriation, representatives from both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have acknowledged the emotional weight of these issues. However, they maintain that no evidence has been found linking their collections to specific historical figures from Zimbabwe.
Why it Matters
The push for the return of ancestral remains encapsulates a broader global discourse on colonial legacy and reparative justice. As institutions grapple with their historical roles in perpetuating colonial violence, the call from Zimbabwean descendants serves as a reminder of the deep-seated wounds that remain unhealed. The outcome of this campaign may not only affect the descendants seeking closure but could also set a precedent for how museums worldwide address the legacies of colonialism and engage with communities historically impacted by their collections. The actions taken—or not taken—by these British institutions will resonate far beyond their walls, influencing future dialogues on restitution and recognition of cultural heritage.
