In a poignant appeal, descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters have urged the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to be among the many human artefacts held in British institutions. These ancestors, heroes of the first chimurenga uprising against British colonial rule in the 1890s, were executed and beheaded, with their skulls reportedly taken to the UK. This demand comes amidst a broader conversation about the ethics of colonial collections and the imperative of reparative justice.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
The legacy of colonialism hangs heavy over Zimbabwe’s history, particularly for descendants of those who resisted British subjugation. The first chimurenga, or uprising, saw notable leaders such as Chief Chingaira Makoni fiercely oppose land seizures by British settlers. Captured and executed, his remains, alongside those of other resistance figures, are believed to be among the artefacts in British museums. In a recent letter, eight descendants formally requested the institutions to collaborate in identifying six specific ancestors’ remains, offering to provide DNA samples to facilitate the search.
Despite earlier assertions from the museum and university stating they had not identified any remains belonging to the chimurenga heroes, the Zimbabwean community remains skeptical. The descendants have expressed their conviction that establishing a joint task force of experts from both nations is essential for resolving the ongoing questions regarding the provenance of the remains.
The Emotional Toll of Colonial Legacies
The sentiments articulated in the letters sent to the UK institutions underscore a deep-seated anguish. “This is not only about the past,” the descendants wrote. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a descendant of Chief Makoni, voiced the collective grief of those whose ancestors suffered dehumanisation and violence at the hands of colonial powers. “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds,” he remarked.
The spiritual and cultural ramifications are profound; in Zimbabwean Shona tradition, ancestral spirits (vadzimu) serve as the intermediaries for prayers to Mwari, or God. Gwasira articulated the pain of disconnection from these spiritual figures, stating, “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us then we have no access to the Lord.”
Institutional Responses and the Path Forward
Efforts towards repatriation have been slow, with the Natural History Museum confirming in November 2022 a commitment to return 11 individuals from Zimbabwe in its collection. However, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has lamented the lack of tangible progress in the years since that decision. Dr. Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, highlighted the need for further research, questioning whether the museum and the university have adequately investigated their collections.
Both institutions have reiterated their commitment to ethical considerations in handling human remains. A spokesperson for the Natural History Museum stated, “After extensive research, we found no evidence to suggest that the remains are those of named individuals or are associated with particular historical episodes.” The University of Cambridge has similarly asserted that their largest collection does not include any of the first chimurenga heroes.
The Broader Implications of Repatriation
This call for the return of ancestral remains is not merely a matter of reclaiming physical objects; it speaks to a broader dialogue about colonial histories and the responsibilities of institutions to acknowledge and rectify past injustices. Unlike some European nations that have begun to take proactive steps in addressing the return of cultural artefacts, the UK has been perceived as lagging behind. The descendants’ campaign highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to the legacy of colonial collections.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of looted remains is emblematic of a larger movement advocating for justice and recognition of historical grievances. By addressing these calls, institutions can begin to mend the fractures caused by colonialism, fostering a more equitable relationship between former colonisers and colonised nations. The resolution of such matters is crucial not only for the descendants seeking closure but also for the institutions themselves, as they navigate the complexities of their colonial pasts and strive towards a more inclusive future.
