The descendants of Zimbabwean heroes who fought against British colonial rule in the 1890s are urging UK institutions, particularly the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to include looted skulls. This plea for collaboration reflects a broader quest for accountability regarding historical injustices and the ongoing impact of colonialism on affected communities.
Historical Context
The first chimurenga, a significant uprising against colonial rule in Zimbabwe, saw valiant leaders like Chief Chingaira Makoni and spirit mediums Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi at the forefront. These figures were executed by British colonial forces, and their remains are thought to have been taken to the UK. Currently, the Natural History Museum holds approximately 3,375 items of human remains from Africa, while the University of Cambridge possesses around 6,223, making them the two largest collections of such remains in the UK.
In a formal request made recently, eight descendants of these resistance fighters have called for a joint effort to identify six specific remains. They have offered to provide DNA samples to aid in the investigation, underscoring the personal nature of their quest.
Institutional Response and Ongoing Challenges
The two institutions previously expressed that they had not identified any remains of the chimurenga heroes within their collections, a statement met with disbelief by the descendants and Zimbabwean officials. In a recent correspondence, the descendants proposed the formation of a collaborative taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. They believe that only through rigorous examination of the remains and archival records can the complex questions surrounding provenance be addressed.
“This is not merely a matter of historical curiosity,” the letters state. “It is about whether institutions today are prepared to confront the realities of colonial violence and undertake genuine reparative actions.” The descendants argue that without the return of their ancestors, the legacy of colonial subjugation remains unaddressed.
One of the letter’s signatories, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Makoni, articulated the deep grievances felt by many. “We are very aggrieved as descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he stated. “Until those remains are accounted for and returned, the suffering continues.”
Broader Implications of Colonial Repatriation
The issue of repatriating human remains is not isolated to Zimbabwe, as a recent investigation revealed that UK institutions house at least 11,856 human remains from Africa. This has led to heightened scrutiny of the ethical implications surrounding the retention of such materials. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has noted the lack of progress since a formal decision was made by the Natural History Museum in November 2022 to repatriate Zimbabwean remains.
Dr. Rudo Sithole, a prominent expert in African museum studies, expressed concerns that insufficient research has been conducted to ascertain whether the remains in question belong to the first chimurenga heroes. “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she remarked, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Zimbabweans in reconciling their colonial past.
Institutional Acknowledgement and Next Steps
A spokesperson for the Natural History Museum confirmed their commitment to repatriating the remains of 11 individuals identified as originating from Zimbabwe, stating they were awaiting further guidance from the Zimbabwean government. The museum maintained that no evidence links their collections to specific historical figures from the chimurenga. Similarly, the University of Cambridge assured that their Duckworth Collection does not contain the remains of any resistance heroes, reiterating their acknowledgment of the profound grief and uncertainty experienced by the descendants.
Why it Matters
The call for the return of ancestral remains underscores the broader implications of colonial legacies that continue to affect nations and communities today. It challenges institutions to confront their past and consider the moral responsibilities they hold towards those impacted by historical injustices. As the descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters seek closure and recognition, their demands represent a vital step towards healing and a more equitable dialogue between former colonial powers and the nations they once subjugated. The resolution of such matters may not only restore dignity to the descendants but also pave the way for a more just approach to historical restitution globally.
