The descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters executed during the colonial era have made urgent appeals to two prominent British institutions—the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge—asking for assistance in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been taken as trophies of war. This call to action comes in the wake of a broader discussion regarding the provenance of human remains held in UK museums and the imperative for restitution.
A Legacy of Resistance
The struggle against British colonial rule in Zimbabwe saw many brave leaders, including Chief Chingaira Makoni and revered spirit mediums like Mbuya Nehanda, rise against their oppressors in the 1890s. These resistance heroes have been memorialised in Zimbabwean history, yet their remains are thought to be hidden away in foreign institutions. Eight descendants of these figures have formally requested that the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge collaborate with them in locating at least six ancestral skulls, which they believe are part of the collections at these institutions.
The descendants have proposed providing DNA samples to aid in the identification process. Yet, in a statement made by both institutions in 2022, they indicated that no remains belonging to these resistance fighters had been found, a revelation met with disbelief and disappointment by the descendants and Zimbabwean officials alike.
A Call for Accountability
In their recent correspondence, the descendants emphasised the need for a dedicated task force comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to thoroughly investigate the contested remains and archival records. They articulated a profound sentiment in their letters: “This is not only about the past. It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.”
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Makoni, expressed the emotional weight of this historical injustice: “We feel that the British, especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.” Gwasira highlighted the cultural significance of these remains, pointing out that their absence perpetuates a sense of disconnection from their ancestors and the spiritual traditions of the Shona people.
Institutions Under Scrutiny
A recent investigation revealed that UK universities and museums currently hold at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge possessing the largest collection. The Natural History Museum follows closely behind, holding an estimated 3,375 items. This has led to increasing scrutiny of the ethical implications surrounding the retention of such collections.
Despite the Natural History Museum’s commitment to repatriate remains acknowledged to be of Zimbabwean origin, progress has been sluggish. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations recently expressed concern that “no discernible progress has been made” since a formal decision was made to return these items in November 2022.
The situation is further complicated by assertions from Zimbabwean experts, who argue that the institutions have not conducted sufficient research to confirm the identities of the remains. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former director of the International Council of African Museums, described the uncertainty surrounding the status of these remains as alarming, given the historical belief that they were all located in the UK.
A Broader Context
The descendants’ appeal comes at a time when calls for the repatriation of cultural artefacts and human remains are gaining momentum across Europe. Countries such as France and Germany have initiated research and dialogues concerning the return of such items taken during colonial times. Critics of UK institutions argue that they lag behind in this crucial area, raising questions about their commitment to addressing historical injustices.
In statements to the press, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge reiterated their dedication to addressing these concerns. A spokesperson for the Natural History Museum mentioned that they are awaiting guidance from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps in the repatriation process. Meanwhile, the University of Cambridge has reassured descendants that their collections do not contain remains of any first chimurenga heroes, although many remain sceptical.
Why it Matters
This situation is emblematic of the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition faced by descendants of colonised peoples. The demand for the return of human remains is not merely an act of reclaiming physical bodies; it is a profound assertion of identity, culture, and history that challenges the remnants of colonial narratives. As the descendants of these heroes seek closure and reconciliation, their plight underscores the necessity for international institutions to confront their historical roles and engage in meaningful reparations. The resolution of this issue holds the potential to foster healing, understanding, and a renewed relationship between former colonies and their colonial past.