Descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders have made a heartfelt appeal to the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge, urging them to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors. These individuals, who fought valiantly against British colonial forces in the 1890s, are believed to have had their skulls taken and now reside in British collections. This call for action highlights ongoing concerns regarding the legacy of colonialism and the need for institutions to address their historical injustices.
A Plea for Justice
The descendants, representing those who led the first chimurenga uprising, have formally reached out to both institutions, seeking collaboration to find six specific remains. They are prepared to provide DNA samples to facilitate the identification process. This initiative follows previous statements from both the museum and the university, which reported in 2022 that they had not confirmed any remains belonging to these resistance fighters within their collections. Such disclosures have sparked frustration among descendants and Zimbwean authorities.
In their recent correspondence, the descendants assert that the resolution of questions surrounding the provenance of the skulls necessitates the establishment of a task force comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. They argue that this is not merely an issue of historical record but a matter of contemporary significance, calling for institutions to confront the realities of colonial violence and to acknowledge the ongoing suffering caused by it.
Historical Context and Significance
One prominent figure in this campaign is Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni and a direct descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, who opposed the British settlers’ land seizures in what is now Manicaland province. Chief Makoni was captured after engaging with Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company during the battles of Gwindingwi in 1896. He was subsequently executed and beheaded, with his skull believed to be among those taken to England. Gwasira expressed deep anguish over the dehumanisation experienced by his ancestors and insisted that the British, particularly the museums, should return what was taken. He remarked, “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.”
The urgency of this appeal is underscored by a recent investigation revealing that UK universities, museums, and councils possess a staggering total of at least 11,856 human remains from Africa. The University of Cambridge holds the largest collection, with at least 6,223 items, followed by the Natural History Museum with 3,375.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Challenges
Over the years, various calls have been made for the repatriation of these remains. A decade ago, former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe demanded the return of the skulls of resistance heroes. In November 2022, the trustees of the Natural History Museum decided to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains in their possession. However, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations recently expressed concern over the lack of progress since that decision.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, questioned the depth of research conducted by the museum and the university regarding the identification of these remains. “Because people long believed that all the chimurenga heroes’ remains were in the UK, we are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she stated.
The need for these remains to be returned is deeply rooted in Zimbabwean cultural beliefs. Gwasira explained that ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, serve as intermediaries for prayers to Mwari, or God. He lamented that the absence of his ancestors’ remains continues to create a spiritual rift, hindering their access to divine support.
The Broader European Context
This situation is reflective of a larger trend across Europe, where nations such as France and Germany are actively funding research into the provenance of human remains taken during colonial times. In contrast, the UK has been perceived as lagging behind in addressing these historical grievances.
In response to the ongoing concerns, a spokesperson for the Natural History Museum stated their commitment to repatriating the remains and indicated they are awaiting further instructions from the Zimbabwean government. They noted that extensive research has yielded no evidence linking the remains in question to specific individuals or historical events. Similarly, the University of Cambridge reassured the descendants that their largest collection, the Duckworth Collection, does not include any remains of the first chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
This plea from Zimbabwean descendants is not just a call to locate lost remains; it is a profound commentary on the lasting impacts of colonialism and the responsibilities of contemporary institutions. As the discourse around repatriation and reconciliation continues to evolve, the actions taken by museums and universities in the UK will be closely scrutinised. It is essential for these institutions to engage with the communities affected by their collections and to recognise the historical and cultural significance of the remains they hold. The resolution of these issues could pave the way for healing and restoration, not only for the descendants but also for the broader narrative of colonial history.
