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Efforts to retrieve the remains of Zimbabwean liberation heroes have gained momentum, as descendants of the first chimurenga fighters formally appeal to the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge. These individuals are urging the institutions to assist in locating the skulls of their ancestors, which were allegedly taken during the colonial era in the late 19th century. The appeals reflect deep-seated grievances tied to historical injustices and the ongoing impact of colonialism.
A Call for Accountability
Descendants of the freedom fighters who bravely resisted British colonisation in the 1890s are rallying for the return of their ancestors’ looted remains. The first chimurenga, a term denoting the initial uprising against colonial rule, saw key figures such as Chief Chingaira Makoni leading the charge against the British South Africa Company. After being captured and executed, Makoni’s skull is believed to be among those taken to the UK, a claim that has long been a source of pain for his descendants.
Eight relatives of these historical figures have reached out to the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, requesting cooperation in identifying the remains of six specific ancestors. They have also offered to provide DNA samples to aid in the research process. This initiative is a direct response to previous assertions from the institutions, which stated they had not definitively identified any remains connected to the chimurenga heroes.
The Legacy of Colonial Violence
In a poignant letter to the museum and university, the descendants expressed that their quest is not merely a historical inquiry but rather a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation. They stated, “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.” The descendants believe that until their ancestors’ remains are accounted for and returned, the psychological scars of colonialism will persist.
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni and a direct descendant of the late chief, articulated the emotional toll of this unresolved history. He highlighted the dehumanisation faced by his ancestors and called upon British institutions to acknowledge their wrongdoing. “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds,” he stated. “Because we feel if we are united with our ancestors, then that chapter of colonialism is closed.”
Institutional Responses and the Path Forward
The ongoing dialogue around the repatriation of human remains has been further intensified by a freedom of information investigation revealing that UK institutions possess at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa. The Natural History Museum holds approximately 3,375 of those, making it the second largest collection in the UK after the University of Cambridge, which has about 6,223 items.
Despite a formal decision by the museum’s trustees in November 2022 to repatriate all Zimbabwean remains, there has been criticism regarding a lack of tangible progress. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations voiced their concerns in a recent letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, stating that “no discernible progress has been made in the three years since that decision.”
Dr Rudo Sithole, a prominent figure in the field of African museums, remarked that the current efforts by the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge to ascertain the lineage of their collections have been insufficient. “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she asserted, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
A Broader Context of Repatriation
The significance of this issue extends beyond the immediate descendants, reflecting a broader movement across Europe where institutions are increasingly being called to account for colonial legacies. Countries like France and Germany have begun funding research into the provenance of human remains taken from their former colonies, setting a precedent for action that the UK has yet to fully embrace.
The Natural History Museum has indicated its commitment to repatriating the remains in its collection and is currently awaiting confirmation from the Zimbabwean government regarding the preferred course of action. Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the University of Cambridge acknowledged the grief experienced by the descendants, assuring them that the institution does not hold remains from the first chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of ancestral remains is not merely about reclaiming physical objects; it embodies a deeper yearning for acknowledgment, justice, and healing from the wounds of colonialism. For the descendants of these heroic figures, the return of their ancestors’ remains would signify a crucial step toward reconciling with the past and addressing the lingering impacts of colonisation. As discussions continue, the outcome may reshape the narrative around legacy, restitution, and the responsibilities of institutions in confronting historical injustices.
