In a poignant plea for justice, descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders have formally requested the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the looted remains of their ancestors. These individuals, known for their valiant efforts against British colonial forces in the late 19th century, have long believed that their forebears’ skulls are among the collections held by these prominent UK institutions.
A Legacy of Loss
The descendants, representing those who fought in the First Chimurenga uprising against British colonisation in the 1890s, have expressed their deep yearning for closure regarding the remains of their ancestors. Eight family members submitted a letter to both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, requesting the establishment of a collaborative taskforce. This group would include experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to thoroughly investigate the provenance of the skulls in question.
In a statement, the descendants emphasised the significance of this quest, asserting, “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.” Their call for action reflects a broader desire to address historical injustices and restore dignity to those unjustly treated.
An Uphill Battle
The request for assistance comes in the wake of previous statements from the museum and university, which claimed in 2022 that they could not identify any remains linked to the resistance fighters. These assertions have been met with disbelief from the descendants and officials in Zimbabwe, who maintain that the institutions should be actively involved in ensuring the return of these ancestral remains.
Chief Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni—who was executed by British forces for resisting land seizure—voiced the anguish felt by many. “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he noted. Gwasira articulated the profound spiritual connection between his community and their ancestors, stating, “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.”
Historical Context and Current Efforts
A recent investigation by the Guardian revealed that UK institutions collectively hold at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge possessing the largest collection. The Natural History Museum ranks second, holding at least 3,375 items. This revelation has reignited discussions around the ethical implications of retaining such collections without proper context or consent from the descendants of those represented.
In light of these findings, the call for repatriation has gained momentum. Notably, former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe had previously urged the Natural History Museum to return the remains over a decade ago. In November 2022, the museum’s trustees agreed to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains in their possession, yet progress has reportedly stalled. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations recently expressed frustration over the lack of tangible action since that commitment was made.
Expert Opinions on Repatriation
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, raised concerns regarding the adequacy of research conducted by the UK institutions to ascertain the identities of the remains they possess. “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she stated. This sentiment highlights the need for greater transparency and collaboration in addressing the complex history surrounding these collections.
The Natural History Museum has reiterated its commitment to repatriation, awaiting guidance from the Zimbabwean government on the next steps. In contrast, a spokesperson for the University of Cambridge assured the descendants that their largest collection of human remains, the Duckworth Collection, does not include those of the First Chimurenga heroes. However, the uncertainty surrounding the remains continues to cast a shadow over these institutions.
Why it Matters
The quest for the repatriation of ancestral remains resonates far beyond the immediate families involved; it speaks to the broader themes of colonial legacy, identity, and the ongoing struggle for justice faced by many communities around the world. As institutions grapple with their colonial past, the need for an honest reckoning and reparative justice becomes increasingly urgent. Restoring dignity to those who fought valiantly against oppression is not merely an act of historical correction but a vital step towards healing and reconciliation in a post-colonial world.
