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In a poignant call for justice and recognition, descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters have reached out to the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge, urging them to assist in locating the looted skulls of their ancestors. These ancestors played a pivotal role in resisting British colonial forces during the first chimurenga uprising in the 1890s. The families believe that the institutions hold several of these remains, which have long been a source of pain and unresolved grief.
A Legacy of Resistance
The descendants of notable figures such as Chief Chingaira Makoni, who opposed British settlers in what is now Manicaland province, have formally requested the institutions to work together in identifying six specific remains linked to their ancestors. In letters sent this month, they offered to provide DNA samples to aid in the investigation, underscoring their commitment to uncovering the truth about their heritage.
Historically, many of these freedom fighters were executed and beheaded by colonial troops. Chief Makoni himself was captured during the battles against Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company, ultimately facing execution. His descendant, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, expressed profound grief over the dehumanisation faced by his ancestors, stating that the continued absence of their remains perpetuates a sense of subjugation. “If we are united with our ancestors, then that chapter of colonialism is closed,” he asserted.
The Institutional Response
In 2022, the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge stated that they had not identified any remains in their collections that belonged to the chimurenga heroes. This announcement sparked disbelief among the descendants and Zimbabwean officials. In light of this, the descendants have called for the establishment of a joint task force, comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK, to thoroughly examine the contested remains and relevant archives.
“This is not only about the past,” their letters convey. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” This sentiment reflects a growing demand for accountability from UK institutions regarding their colonial histories.
A Call for Repatriation
Previous calls for the return of ancestral remains have echoed through the years, notably from former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, who made a similar demand over a decade ago. In November 2022, the trustees of the Natural History Museum decided to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains in their collection. However, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has expressed concern that little progress has been made since that decision, indicating systemic inertia in addressing these longstanding issues.
Experts like Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, have raised alarms over the lack of sufficient research conducted by these institutions. “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of identifying and returning these remains.
The Spiritual Significance
For many Zimbabweans, the connection to their ancestors is deeply spiritual. Gwasira articulated the cultural significance of these remains, noting that ancestral spirits, or vadzimu, serve as conduits for prayers to Mwari, or God. The absence of these remains not only represents a physical loss but also a spiritual disconnect, leaving families grappling with their heritage and identity. “Until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord,” he lamented.
Why it Matters
The plight of these Zimbabwean descendants underscores a broader conversation about the legacy of colonialism and the ethical imperatives facing museums and universities today. The push for the return of looted remains is not merely a matter of historical restitution; it represents a critical step towards healing and reconciling with the past. As institutions grapple with their colonial legacies, the calls for transparency, collaboration, and respect for cultural heritage grow ever more urgent. The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for how former colonial powers engage with the histories and descendants of those they once oppressed.
