Descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters who resisted British colonial rule in the late 19th century have made a heartfelt appeal to the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge, urging these institutions to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors. This request follows longstanding beliefs that the skulls of these resistance heroes, who fought valiantly against British colonisers during the 1890s, are held in these prominent UK establishments.
A Legacy of Resistance
The descendants of the first chimurenga heroes, notable figures in Zimbabwe’s struggle against colonial oppression, have formally reached out to both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge. Among their requests is the establishment of a collaborative effort to trace the remains of six ancestors believed to have been taken during and after the conflict. They are prepared to provide DNA samples to facilitate this investigation.
The history behind these remains is a painful chapter in Zimbabwe’s past. Many of these individuals were executed, and their remains were subsequently transported to the UK. Chief Chingaira Makoni, a prominent leader who opposed British encroachment on land in what is now Manicaland province, is among those whose skull is thought to be preserved in these institutions. His descendant, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, expressed deep distress over the historical injustices faced by their ancestors and the continuing impact of colonialism: “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds. Because we feel if we are united with our ancestors, then that chapter of colonialism is closed.”
Institutional Responses and Historical Context
In 2022, both institutions stated they had not identified any remains in their collections that could definitively be linked to the chimurenga heroes, a claim that has left many descendants and Zimbabwean officials feeling disillusioned. In a recent correspondence, the descendants emphasised that establishing a taskforce of experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK is essential to thoroughly investigate the contested remains and relevant archives.
The situation has been further complicated by a freedom of information inquiry revealing that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively hold over 11,800 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge possessing the largest collection. This stark figure underscores the necessity for transparency and accountability regarding the provenance of these remains.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, has noted that the research conducted by these institutions to ascertain the origins of their collections has been insufficient. She highlighted concerns that not a single chimurenga hero’s remains have been acknowledged as being in British holdings, which perpetuates a narrative of erasure and neglect.
The Ongoing Impact of Colonial Legacy
The descendants’ request for the return of ancestral remains is not only a matter of historical reclamation but also a deeply personal issue intertwined with cultural identity. Gwasira articulated the spiritual implications of the absence of these remains, stating that ancestral spirits play a crucial role in connecting the living to the divine. “Some of our very important ancestors who held the traditional responsibility for taking our grievances to the Lord were killed,” he lamented. “Until those ancestors return to us, we have no access to the Lord.”
This sentiment resonates beyond personal grief; it speaks to a broader need for reconciliation and recognition of historical injustices. The call for repatriation is part of a larger movement advocating for the return of cultural artefacts and human remains to their countries of origin.
Toward a Collaborative Future
In response to the mounting pressure, the Natural History Museum has reiterated its commitment to repatriating the remains of 11 individuals identified as being from Zimbabwe, pending confirmation from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps. The University of Cambridge has similarly acknowledged the families’ profound grief, assuring them that the Duckworth Collection does not contain the remains of any chimurenga heroes.
Despite these assurances, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has expressed frustration over the lack of tangible progress since the museum’s decision to repatriate remains. The urgency of these appeals reflects a growing expectation for British institutions to engage more meaningfully with their colonial histories and the implications of their collections.
Why it Matters
The initiative to locate and potentially repatriate the remains of Zimbabwe’s first chimurenga heroes is not merely an academic exercise; it represents a crucial step toward healing historical wounds caused by colonial exploitation. As calls for restitution grow louder, they challenge institutions in the UK and beyond to confront their colonial legacies and engage in a process of genuine reconciliation. This dialogue is essential for fostering mutual understanding and for addressing the enduring impacts of colonial violence on contemporary societies. The actions taken—or not taken—by these institutions will resonate far beyond the confines of their walls, as they hold the potential to redefine relationships between former colonial powers and their erstwhile colonies.
