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 looted remains of their ancestors. These calls come as part of a broader movement to confront the colonial legacy surrounding the collection of human remains from Africa, with particular emphasis on the heroes who led the resistance against British colonisation in the late 19th century.
A Plea for Justice
The descendants, representing the first chimurenga heroes who fought against British colonial forces during the uprising of the 1890s, have formally requested collaboration with these institutions to locate six specific skulls believed to be in their collections. This request is underscored by their willingness to provide DNA samples to aid in the identification process. The Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have previously stated that they had not identified any remains as belonging to these historical figures, a statement that has sparked disbelief and frustration among the descendants and officials in Zimbabwe.
In letters sent to both institutions this month, the descendants argued that a taskforce composed of experts from Zimbabwe and the UK is necessary to examine the contested remains and archival materials. “This is not only about the past,” the letters assert, “it is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms. Until the remains of our ancestors are accounted for and returned, the suffering continues.”
Historical Context
The struggle for recognition and repatriation of human remains is not a new phenomenon. The current calls for action echo a long history of demand for justice from institutions that hold colonial artefacts. Among the heroes of the chimurenga was Chief Chingaira Makoni, who led resistance efforts against British settlers in Manicaland Province. Captured after fierce battles, Makoni was executed, and his skull is believed to be among those taken to England.
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni and a direct descendant, expressed the deep emotional toll of this historical injustice. “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he stated. “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took. If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.”
The urgency of this matter has been further highlighted by a recent freedom of information investigation revealing that UK institutions collectively hold at least 11,856 items of human remains sourced from Africa. The University of Cambridge possesses the largest collection, with over 6,223 items, while the Natural History Museum follows closely with 3,375.
Institutional Responses
In November 2022, the trustees of the Natural History Museum voted to repatriate human remains from Zimbabwe. However, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations noted in a letter to the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, that “no discernible progress has been made in the three years since that decision.” This lack of action has left many feeling disheartened and frustrated.
Dr Rudo Sithole, an expert in African museum practices, expressed concerns over the limited research conducted by the museum and the university regarding the provenance of the remains. “Because people long believed that all the chimurenga heroes’ remains were in the UK, we are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she remarked, emphasising the need for thorough examination and accountability.
Both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have acknowledged the grief of the descendants. A spokesperson for the Natural History Museum reiterated their commitment to repatriation but highlighted the need for confirmation from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps. Meanwhile, a representative from the University of Cambridge stated that the vice-chancellor had reached out to the families to express sympathy and clarify that their collections do not include the remains of the first chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
The calls for the return of these ancestral remains highlight a crucial aspect of post-colonial reconciliation. For the descendants of these freedom fighters, the repatriation of their ancestors’ remains is not merely an act of restitution; it is a vital step toward healing the wounds inflicted by colonial violence. The ongoing dialogue surrounding the return of cultural heritage underscores the importance of addressing historical injustices and fostering a greater understanding of the past. Acknowledging and returning these remains could serve as a powerful gesture of recognition and respect, paving the way for deeper reconciliation between nations and cultures.
