Descendants of Zimbabwe’s resistance leaders are urging UK institutions, notably the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, to assist in the search for the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been looted during the colonial era. This appeal is part of a broader movement to confront historical injustices and address the lingering effects of colonial violence.
A Historical Context
The struggle for recognition and restitution of human remains taken during the colonial period has gained momentum in recent years. A recent investigation revealed that UK institutions collectively hold over 11,000 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge possessing the largest collection at 6,223 items, closely followed by the Natural History Museum with at least 3,375.
The descendants of the first chimurenga heroes—who led a rebellion against British colonial rule in the 1890s—have long believed that these institutions house the skulls of their ancestors, including notable figures such as Chief Chingaira Makoni. After leading his forces against the British South Africa Company, Makoni was captured and executed, with his skull reportedly taken to England along with those of other resistance fighters.
Formal Requests for Collaboration
In a series of letters addressed to the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, eight descendants have formally requested the establishment of a collaborative taskforce. This group would include experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to investigate the provenance of the remains and the archives related to them. They have also offered to provide DNA samples to help facilitate this research.
The letters underscore the urgency of the matter, stating, “This is not only about the past. It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.”
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Concerns
Despite a decision made by the trustees of the Natural History Museum in November 2022 to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains, progress appears limited. The all-party parliamentary group advocating for Afrikan reparations noted in a recent letter to the UK culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, that no significant advancements have been made since that commitment.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, expressed scepticism regarding the research conducted by the museum and university, highlighting a lack of acknowledgement for the remains believed to belong to the first chimurenga heroes. This has heightened concerns among the descendants about the true nature of the collections held by these institutions.
The Cultural Significance of Ancestral Remains
The emotional and cultural implications of these remains extend beyond mere historical interest. For many Zimbabweans, ancestral spirits known as vadzimu serve as essential links to their spiritual beliefs and practices. Chief Cogen Simbayi Gwasira emphasised the pain felt by his community, stating that the absence of their ancestors’ remains continues to hinder their spiritual connection. “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us then we have no access to the Lord,” he remarked.
This sentiment is echoed in the broader discourse surrounding the repatriation of cultural heritage, which is gaining traction globally. Countries such as France and Germany have taken steps to acknowledge and address the provenance of human remains from their former colonies, setting a precedent that the UK has yet to fully embrace.
Why it Matters
The call for the return of Zimbabwean ancestral remains represents more than a quest for physical objects; it is an essential step in reconciling with a painful colonial past. As descendants seek to reclaim their heritage, the actions of UK institutions will set a critical precedent for how countries confront their historical injustices and engage with the descendants of those who suffered at their hands. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the broader reparations movement, as communities around the world continue to advocate for recognition and restitution of their cultural and historical legacies.
