In a poignant appeal to British institutions, descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters have urged the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to be among the looted human remains held in the UK. This initiative seeks to address the historical injustices stemming from colonialism and to facilitate a reconciliation process for the descendants of those who stood against British rule during the late 19th century.
A Call for Justice
The descendants of the first chimurenga heroes have formally requested the cooperation of the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge in identifying and returning the remains of six ancestors who led the resistance against British colonial forces in the 1890s. Among those making the appeal is Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni, whose ancestor, Chief Chingaira Makoni, was executed by colonial forces after leading battles against land dispossession in what is now Zimbabwe.
The descendants have offered to provide DNA samples to assist in the identification of the remains, which they believe could include the skulls of their ancestors. In correspondence sent to the institutions this month, they emphasised the necessity of establishing a joint taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to examine the contested remains and archives.
Unyielding Pain of the Past
In their letters, the descendants articulated that this matter transcends mere historical inquiry; it is a question of how modern institutions confront their colonial legacies. “This is not only about the past,” they stated. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms. Until the remains of our ancestors are accounted for and returned, the suffering continues.” Their sentiments reflect a collective trauma, rooted in the violent history of colonialism, that continues to resonate within Zimbabwean society.
The Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have previously stated that they found no remains in their collections that can be definitively linked to the chimurenga heroes, a claim that has been met with disbelief and frustration among the descendants and Zimbabwean officials.
The Historical Context
The first chimurenga, or uprising, was marked by significant resistance against the encroachment of British settlers, who seized land for farming and mining. Leaders such as Chief Chingaira Makoni and spirit mediums like Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi played pivotal roles in this struggle, facing brutal repression from colonial authorities. Nehanda, for instance, was executed in 1898 for her leadership in the rebellion. The descendants maintain that the return of their ancestors’ remains is not merely a matter of restitution, but a crucial step towards healing and addressing the historical wounds inflicted by colonialism.
A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that UK universities and museums are in possession of at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge and the Natural History Museum holding the largest collections. While the Natural History Museum has expressed its commitment to repatriating remains, progress has been slow, prompting calls for immediate action from advocacy groups.
A Comparative Perspective
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, has pointed out that the UK lags behind other European nations, such as France and Germany, in terms of addressing the provenance of human remains taken from former colonies. Sithole has remarked that the lack of thorough research into the historical context of these remains is deeply troubling, particularly given the widespread belief that the remains of the chimurenga heroes are held in the UK.
In response to the recent appeals, spokespeople for both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge acknowledged the grief expressed by the descendants but maintained that they have found no evidence linking the remains in their collections to the chimurenga heroes. The Natural History Museum stated they are waiting for guidance from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps for repatriation.
Why it Matters
The ongoing quest for the return of these ancestral remains is emblematic of a broader movement to confront and redress the injustices of colonialism. For the descendants of Zimbabwe’s resistance heroes, this is not merely an academic pursuit; it represents a critical step toward healing and reconciliation. Recognising and returning the remains of those who fought valiantly against oppression is essential not only for the descendants but also for the institutions involved, as they navigate the complexities of their colonial past. The resolution of these matters may pave the way for a more equitable and just relationship between former colonial powers and the nations they once subjugated.
