In a poignant appeal for recognition and restitution, descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters have urged the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in retrieving the looted skulls of their ancestors. These remains, believed to belong to heroes of the first chimurenga uprising against British colonial rule in the 1890s, have been held in UK institutions for over a century. The descendants argue that addressing this issue is not merely an act of historical correction but a necessary step towards healing the wounds inflicted by colonial violence.
A Legacy of Resistance
The descendants represent the families of those who bravely opposed British colonisation, particularly during the first chimurenga, a significant uprising that sought to reclaim land and sovereignty. Among them is Chief Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, a leader who was executed and beheaded by colonial forces. Gwasira has articulated the deep sense of loss felt by his community, stating, “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.”
The call for the return of ancestral remains highlights a broader discussion about the ethical responsibilities of institutions that have long benefited from colonial exploits. The descendants have formally requested the establishment of a taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to investigate the provenance of the remains in question. They are also prepared to provide DNA samples to aid in this critical research.
A History of Displacement
Despite previous acknowledgments from the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge regarding the presence of human remains from Africa in their collections, both institutions have maintained that none have been definitively linked to the first chimurenga heroes. This assertion has sparked dismay among Zimbabwean officials and the families, who have long believed that their ancestors’ remains were taken during a period of profound injustice.
In a letter sent recently to the institutions, descendants expressed frustration over the lack of progress since a 2022 decision by the museum’s trustees to repatriate Zimbabwean human remains. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has also echoed these concerns, noting that “no discernible progress has been made in the three years since that decision.”
Uncovering the Truth
The discourse surrounding the return of these remains is part of a larger international conversation about colonialism and its lasting impacts. Dr. Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, has pointed out that UK institutions have not sufficiently researched the origins of the remains they hold. “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she stated, reflecting the growing unease among Zimbabwean experts regarding the fate of their ancestors’ remains.
This issue has historical roots, with figures like Nehanda Charwe Nyakasikana, known as Mbuya Nehanda, and Sekuru Kaguvi also executed for their roles in the anti-colonial resistance. Their legacies are deeply intertwined with the cultural identity of Zimbabwe, and the absence of their remains continues to reverberate through generations.
In response to the appeals from descendants, the Natural History Museum has reiterated its commitment to repatriation, pending guidance from the Zimbabwean government. Meanwhile, the University of Cambridge has expressed its condolences and emphasized that their collections do not include the remains of known chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
The quest for ancestral remains is not merely about physical restitution; it embodies a broader struggle for recognition, healing, and reconciliation. As institutions confront their colonial past, the calls from Zimbabwean descendants serve as a vital reminder of the enduring impact of historical injustices. Acknowledging and returning these remains is crucial for mending the relationships between former colonisers and the colonised. It is a step towards ensuring that the past is not forgotten and that the scars of history can begin to heal.
