A poignant plea has emerged from the descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders who fought against British colonial rule in the 1890s. They have formally requested that the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, which they believe were taken during a time of great suffering and injustice. This urgent call for action underscores the ongoing dialogue surrounding colonial legacies and the ethical responsibilities of institutions holding such artifacts.
A Legacy of Resistance
The descendants are directly connected to the first Chimurenga uprising, a pivotal movement against British colonisation. Among the notable figures is Chief Chingaira Makoni, who led his people against territorial encroachments by colonial forces. Captured and executed by firing squad, his skull, along with those of other resistance heroes, is thought to be among the human remains held in British collections. The descendants, including the current Chief Makoni, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, have expressed deep grievances about the historical dehumanisation and the ongoing pain stemming from their ancestors’ fate.
In a recent letter to the aforementioned institutions, the descendants have urged for the establishment of a collaborative taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. They believe this initiative is essential to clarify the provenance of the contested remains and to facilitate the return of their ancestors’ skulls. “This is not only about the past,” the letter poignantly states, “it is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.”
Institutional Responses and Challenges
The Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have previously stated that they have not identified any remains in their collections that belong to the Chimurenga heroes. This stance has generated significant frustration among the descendants and Zimbabwean officials, who are doubtful about the thoroughness of the research conducted. The museum’s trustees made a formal decision in November 2022 to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains, yet an all-party parliamentary group has since expressed concern that no meaningful progress has been made in fulfilling this commitment.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, voiced scepticism about the research efforts of both institutions. She emphasised that the historical belief that all Chimurenga heroes’ remains were transported to the UK has heightened anxiety that none have been acknowledged as present. This fear reflects a broader concern about how colonial histories continue to impact contemporary identities and relationships.
The Spiritual Significance of Ancestral Remains
For the descendants, the return of their ancestors’ remains is not merely a matter of historical justice; it is also deeply intertwined with their cultural and spiritual beliefs. In the Shona tradition, ancestral spirits, or vadzimu, play a crucial role in spiritual communication. Gwasira articulated the profound sense of loss felt by his community, stating, “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord.” The disconnection from their ancestors is seen as a barrier to their spiritual wellbeing, making the call for repatriation even more pressing.
A Broader Context of Repatriation
This appeal comes within a larger framework of discussions about the repatriation of cultural artifacts and human remains held by institutions in Europe. A recent freedom of information investigation revealed that UK universities and museums possess at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge leading with over 6,000 items. Comparatively, other European nations, such as France and Germany, have taken steps to fund research into the provenance of human remains taken from their former colonies, a move that the UK has yet to replicate.
In light of this, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have reaffirmed their commitment to repatriation. A spokesperson for the museum noted that they are awaiting guidance from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps. Meanwhile, the university has acknowledged the grief expressed by the families and reassured them that the Duckworth Collection does not contain remains of the Chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
The ongoing struggle for the return of ancestral remains to Zimbabwe highlights the urgent need for institutions to engage with their colonial pasts and the responsibilities that arise from it. As descendants seek closure and recognition of their ancestors’ sacrifices, their plight serves as a critical reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism on cultural identity and spiritual health. The willingness of UK institutions to confront this history and facilitate the return of these remains could represent a significant step towards healing and reconciliation, not only for the descendants but also for the broader discourse on colonial legacies in contemporary society.