Descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters have urged the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been taken during the colonial era. This plea highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and acknowledgment of the impacts of colonialism, as families seek to reclaim the skulls of those who resisted British rule in the late 19th century.
The Historical Context
The first chimurenga, or liberation war, unfolded in Zimbabwe in the 1890s as local leaders resisted the encroachment of British colonial forces. Among these leaders was Chief Chingaira Makoni, who fiercely opposed the seizure of land by British settlers. Captured by the British South Africa Company, Makoni was executed and is believed to have had his skull transported to the UK, alongside those of other resistance heroes.
In recent letters addressed to both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, eight descendants of these historical figures have formally requested a collaborative effort to identify and recover six of their ancestors’ remains. They have offered DNA samples to aid in this pursuit, emphasising the need for transparency and recognition of the colonial violence that has shaped their history.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Concerns
Both institutions have previously stated that they have not found evidence linking any of their collections to the first chimurenga heroes, which has sparked frustration and disbelief among the descendants and Zimbabwean officials. In response to the request for collaboration, the institutions have suggested that a taskforce involving experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK could be established to investigate the disputed remains and their provenance.
The letters from the descendants poignantly articulate their grievances: “This is not only about the past… Until the remains of our ancestors are accounted for and returned, the suffering continues.” The call to action not only seeks to rectify historical injustices but also to heal the wounds inflicted by colonisation.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a prominent figure in the field of African museums, has expressed scepticism regarding the adequacy of research conducted by the UK institutions. She argues that there remains a significant lack of acknowledgment regarding the potential presence of these remains in their collections, despite longstanding beliefs that they reside in the UK.
The Broader Implications of Repatriation
Recent reports have revealed that British universities and museums collectively hold at least 11,856 items of human remains originating from Africa, with the University of Cambridge possessing the largest share. This situation raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of UK institutions in addressing the legacies of colonialism.
The former president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, had previously demanded the return of the skulls a decade ago. In light of these ongoing efforts, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has echoed the descendants’ calls for action, noting that the Natural History Museum’s trustees had vowed to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains in 2022, but have since made little progress.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of ancestral remains is more than a simple recovery of physical artifacts; it is a fundamental aspect of healing and reconciliation. For the descendants of these freedom fighters, the return of their ancestors’ remains is intertwined with cultural identity, collective memory, and spiritual connection. It serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism and a call for institutions to confront their histories with honesty and integrity. Repatriation efforts could pave the way for more meaningful dialogues about heritage, justice, and the responsibilities of museums and universities in addressing historical wrongs.
