A poignant appeal has emerged from Zimbabwe as descendants of anti-colonial heroes urge British institutions to aid in the recovery of their ancestors’ remains, allegedly taken during colonial rule. The Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge are at the centre of this escalating demand, following revelations that they hold significant collections of human remains from Africa. Among the items believed to be in their possession are the skulls of key figures from Zimbabwe’s first chimurenga uprising against British colonisers in the 1890s.
A Legacy of Struggle
The descendants of these freedom fighters, who bravely resisted colonial oppression, have faced a long and painful struggle to reclaim their ancestors’ remains. This month, eight relatives of the chimurenga heroes formally reached out to the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, requesting collaboration in locating six specific skulls they believe to be housed within their collections. In an effort to substantiate their claims, they have offered to provide DNA samples to aid in the identification process.
The historical significance of this plea is profound. The chimurenga uprising was a critical moment in Zimbabwe’s resistance to British colonial rule, with leaders like Chief Chingaira Makoni standing against the appropriation of land and resources. Makoni himself was captured and executed, and his skull is speculated to be among those taken to England. His descendant, Chief Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, expressed deep frustration over the ongoing lack of accountability from British institutions.
“We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” Gwasira stated. “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.”
Institutional Responses and Continuing Discontent
The Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge previously announced in 2022 that they had not identified any remains from the first chimurenga heroes in their collections. This declaration sparked outrage among the descendants and the Zimbabwean government, who felt their ancestors’ legacies were being dismissed. The descendants’ recent letters highlight a growing frustration: they believe a dedicated taskforce of experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK should be established to investigate the provenance of these remains thoroughly.
“This is not only about the past,” they asserted in their letters. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms. Until the remains of our ancestors are accounted for and returned, the suffering continues.”
Dr. Rudo Sithole, an influential figure in the realm of African museums, expressed scepticism over the thoroughness of the museums’ research: “Zimbabwean experts do not believe that enough has been done to ascertain whether the remains held in these institutions include those of the first chimurenga heroes.” This sentiment echoes the broader frustrations felt by many regarding the UK’s slow progress in addressing its colonial legacy.
The Ghosts of Colonialism
The repercussions of colonialism extend beyond mere historical grievances; they manifest in the spiritual beliefs of the Shona people. Gwasira articulated this connection, explaining that ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, serve as vital links to their community’s spiritual practices. “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord,” he lamented, highlighting the deep emotional and cultural ramifications of the loss.
The chimurenga uprising, which saw figures like Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi rise against colonial rule, is not merely a chapter in history but a living legacy. The hallowed bones of these heroes serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom and the ongoing struggles against colonial legacies.
The Way Forward
In a recent statement, a spokesperson for the Natural History Museum reaffirmed their commitment to repatriating the remains of 11 individuals from Zimbabwe, awaiting guidance from the Zimbabwean government on the next steps. Similarly, the University of Cambridge has expressed condolences to the descendants and assured them that its collections do not contain the remains of the first chimurenga heroes.
However, critics argue that actions speak louder than words. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has noted that no tangible progress has been made since the museum’s 2022 decision to repatriate remains, fuelling the frustration among those seeking justice for their ancestors.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of looted ancestral remains goes beyond mere restitution; it encapsulates a broader struggle for recognition, justice, and healing from the wounds of colonialism. The ongoing dialogue surrounding these remains challenges British institutions to confront their historical complicity in colonial violence and to take meaningful steps towards reconciliation. For the descendants of these heroes, reclaiming their ancestors’ remains is not just about closure; it is about restoring dignity and honour to those who fought valiantly against oppression, a step towards healing the historical wounds that continue to affect their communities today.
