The descendants of notable resistance figures from Zimbabwe are urging the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been taken by colonial forces during the 1890s. This plea reflects a broader struggle for recognition and reparative justice regarding the historical injustices inflicted upon communities during the colonial era.
Historical Context of the Appeal
The plight of these descendants centres around the first chimurenga, a series of uprisings against British colonisers in Zimbabwe during the late 19th century. Among the prominent figures were Chief Chingaira Makoni and spirit mediums Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi, who played significant roles in the resistance. Following their capture, many were executed, and their remains were subsequently transported to the UK.
Recent inquiries have revealed that the Natural History Museum possesses at least 3,375 human remains from Africa, while the University of Cambridge holds an even larger collection of over 6,223 items. This has spurred descendants to formally petition for the return of six specific ancestors’ skulls, believing that these remains are part of the collections held by these institutions.
The Call for Collaboration
Eight descendants have reached out to both the museum and the university, proposing the formation of a joint taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. Their goal is to investigate the provenance of the remains and conduct a thorough examination of the archives. The letters sent to the institutions emphasise the need for transparency and accountability, stating, “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.”
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Makoni, articulated the emotional toll of this historical theft. He expressed a deep sense of grievance for the dehumanisation experienced by his ancestors, saying, “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.” Gwasira underscored the spiritual significance of these remains, stating that without them, the community struggles to connect with their ancestral heritage.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Challenges
In 2022, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge indicated that they could not confirm the presence of the chimurenga heroes’ remains in their collections. This has left descendants and Zimbabwean officials frustrated, as they believe the institutions have not conducted adequate research into the origins of the remains they hold. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former director of the International Council of African Museums, highlighted concerns that the museums’ research efforts fell short, leading to a troubling lack of acknowledgment regarding the historical context of these remains.
Moreover, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations recently expressed disappointment over the slow progress in repatriating the remains. They noted that despite the museum’s commitment to return human remains to Zimbabwe, little has been done in the three years since the decision was made.
The Spiritual Dimension of Recovery
The emotional and spiritual implications of the absence of these remains cannot be overstated. In Zimbabwean Shona culture, ancestral spirits, or vadzimu, serve as vital links to the divine. Gwasira articulated this connection, explaining, “Some of our very important ancestors who held the traditional responsibility for taking our grievances to the Lord were killed, murdered, their heads were taken. We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord.” This deeply rooted cultural belief highlights the necessity of repatriation not only as an act of justice but also as a means of healing within the community.
Why it Matters
The current struggle for the return of human remains is emblematic of a wider movement for decolonisation and rectifying historical injustices faced by communities around the world. As institutions in the UK grapple with their colonial past, the calls from Zimbabwean descendants serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reparative actions. This case underscores the importance of acknowledging historical wrongs and fostering meaningful dialogue between nations and cultures, paving the way for reconciliation and healing. The quest to repatriate these remains is not merely an issue of artefacts but a fundamental aspect of restoring dignity and honour to those who have been silenced by colonial violence.