A poignant plea has emerged from descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders, urging British institutions to assist in the search for looted human remains of their ancestors, who bravely fought against colonial oppression in the late 19th century. This request, which highlights the enduring impact of colonialism, particularly centres on the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge, both of which hold significant collections of human remains from Africa.
The Legacy of the Chimurenga Heroes
The descendants of the first chimurenga heroes, who led a formidable uprising against British colonisers during the 1890s, are calling for the identification and repatriation of the remains of their ancestors, believed to be held within the UK. Eight representatives of these families have formally approached the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, requesting their collaboration in locating six specific remains. They have also offered to provide DNA samples to aid in this important research.
Previously, both institutions declared in 2022 that they had not found any remains within their collections that could be definitively linked to the colonial resistance fighters, a statement that has sparked disbelief and frustration among the descendants and Zimbabwean authorities.
In their recent correspondence, the descendants emphasised that resolving the questions surrounding these remains requires the establishment of a taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. They assert that a thorough examination of the contested remains and associated archives is essential for accountability.
A Struggle for Recognition and Healing
“This is not only about the past,” the descendants articulated in their letters. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” They contend that without accounting for and returning the remains of their ancestors, the pain of colonial injustices continues to resonate.
Among the letter’s signatories is Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, a prominent figure in the resistance against British settlers in what is now Manicaland province. Following his capture during the clashes with Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company, Makoni was executed and beheaded. His skull is believed to be among those taken to England, reinforcing the painful legacy of colonial violence.
“We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” Gwasira stated. He further articulated a deep sense of loss: “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.” He expressed a desire for reconciliation, indicating that a connection with their ancestors is crucial to moving beyond the chapters of colonialism.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Challenges
The issue of repatriation has gained traction in recent years, with a Freedom of Information investigation revealing that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively hold at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa. The University of Cambridge is reported to possess the largest collection, with at least 6,223 items, while the Natural History Museum follows with a collection of approximately 3,375 items.
A decade ago, former President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe demanded the return of the resistance heroes’ skulls. Although the Natural History Museum’s trustees made a formal decision to repatriate all human remains from Zimbabwe in November 2022, a recent letter from the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations indicated that “no discernible progress has been made” since that decision.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a notable former director of the International Council of African Museums, expressed concerns regarding the lack of thorough research conducted by the museum and the University of Cambridge. She asserted that the absence of acknowledgment regarding the remains of the chimurenga heroes is troubling, particularly given the historical context of their significance to Zimbabwean identity.
The Spiritual Connection and Cultural Significance
The descendants emphasise that the loss of their ancestors’ remains has profound spiritual implications. In Shona tradition, ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, serve as vital conduits for communication with Mwari, or God. Gwasira poignantly explained, “Some of our very important ancestors who held the traditional responsibility for taking our grievances to the Lord were killed, murdered, their heads were taken. We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord.”
The struggle for recognition extends beyond the physical remains; it embodies a broader quest for healing and reconciliation from the traumas of colonialism.
Why it Matters
The call for the return of ancestral remains from institutions in the UK is emblematic of a larger movement addressing the historical injustices of colonialism. It highlights the urgent need for museums and universities to confront their past and take meaningful steps toward reparative justice. By engaging with the descendants of those who suffered under colonial rule and acknowledging the significance of their ancestors, these institutions have an opportunity to foster dialogue and promote healing, both within Zimbabwe and globally.
