In a poignant plea for recognition and redress, descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters have urged the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the looted skulls of their ancestors. These heroes, who valiantly resisted British colonial forces in the late 19th century, have long been believed to have their remains held within these institutions. The descendants have formally requested collaboration in identifying and returning the remains of six significant figures from the first Chimurenga uprising.
A Historical Legacy of Resistance
The first Chimurenga, or War of Liberation, in the 1890s marked a critical juncture in Zimbabwe’s history as indigenous leaders fought against the encroachment of British settlers. Among those who perished in this struggle was Chief Chingaira Makoni, known for his fierce opposition to colonial land seizure. Captured and executed during the conflict, his skull is thought to be among those taken to England in the aftermath of his death.
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni and a descendant of the late chief, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of ancestral remains. He stated, “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period.” Gwasira emphasised that the return of these remains is crucial for healing and closure, saying, “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.”
Institutional Response and Ongoing Struggles
In recent correspondence, the request for a joint taskforce of experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK has been put forth. The aim is to investigate the provenance of human remains housed within these institutions. Previous statements from the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge indicated that no identifiable remains belonging to the Chimurenga heroes were confirmed in their collections, a claim that has left descendants feeling sceptical and disillusioned.
The call for action comes on the heels of a report revealing that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively hold at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa. The Natural History Museum ranks second in this regard, with a collection of at least 3,375 items, while the University of Cambridge possesses the largest collection, numbering over 6,223.
The Weight of Colonial History
The descendants’ letters resonate with a broader narrative about colonial legacy and its lingering effects. “This is not only about the past,” the letters assert. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” The absence of clear action since a formal commitment to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains was made in November 2022 has drawn criticism from advocacy groups and Zimbabwean officials.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, voiced concerns regarding the research conducted by these institutions. She stated, “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” highlighting the inadequacies in acknowledging the historical significance of these remains.
A Cultural and Spiritual Connection
In Zimbabwean tradition, ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, play a crucial role in the community’s spiritual life, serving as intermediaries in prayers to Mwari, or God. Gwasira explained that the absence of these ancestral remains continues to inhibit spiritual connection and harmony. “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us then we have no access to the Lord,” he lamented, emphasising the deep cultural implications of the loss.
Moreover, the plight of these descendants has gained attention in light of a broader European context, where countries such as France and Germany have begun to address the issue of human remains taken from their former colonies. In contrast, the UK appears to lag behind in recognising and addressing these colonial injustices.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of looted ancestral remains highlights the urgent need for historical reckoning and reconciliation. It underscores the enduring impact of colonialism on contemporary societies, particularly in the context of cultural identity and spiritual connection. As descendants of Zimbabwean heroes seek closure and justice, their calls serve as a powerful reminder that the legacy of colonial violence cannot be ignored. The resolution of such matters may pave the way for improved relationships between former colonial powers and the nations that suffered under their rule, fostering a future grounded in mutual respect and understanding.