In a poignant appeal for justice, descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders 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 looted during colonial times. This plea comes in light of the long-standing struggle for recognition and restitution of human remains taken from Africa during the 19th century, particularly those of the heroes who fought against British colonial rule in the 1890s.
A Legacy of Loss
The descendants of the first chimurenga heroes, who bravely led uprisings against British colonisers, have formally requested collaboration with British institutions to trace the whereabouts of six specific ancestral skulls. Among these heroes is Chief Chingaira Makoni, a notable figure who resisted land seizures in what is now Manicaland province. Captured and executed by colonial forces, Chief Makoni’s skull is thought to be among the many taken to England.
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni and a descendant of the chief, articulated the deep emotional toll this historical injustice has wrought. “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he remarked. “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds.”
Institutional Responses and Challenges
Despite the poignant calls for action, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have maintained that they have not identified any remains within their collections as belonging to the chimurenga fighters. This assertion has sparked frustration among the descendants and Zimbabwean officials, who seek a thorough investigation into the provenance of the remains held in UK institutions.
In letters sent to the museum and university, the descendants have proposed the establishment of a taskforce composed of experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. They believe that such cooperation is essential for resolving questions surrounding the contested remains and for honouring the memory of their ancestors. “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.”
The Bigger Picture of Colonial Restitution
The issue of repatriating human remains is part of a broader conversation around colonial restitution, which has gained momentum in recent years. A recent investigation revealed that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively hold over 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge leading the way with at least 6,223 items, followed closely by the Natural History Museum with 3,375. The growing awareness of these collections highlights the need for institutions to confront the legacies of colonialism.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, voiced concerns regarding the inadequate research conducted by these institutions in identifying the remains. “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there,” she said, expressing the urgency for a more comprehensive examination of the collections.
A Call for Accountability
The ongoing discourse around the return of ancestral remains is not merely a reflection of historical grievances but also a vital step towards healing for many communities. The descendants of the chimurenga heroes are calling for a commitment to accountability from British institutions. With the Natural History Museum’s trustees having agreed to repatriate Zimbabwean human remains, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has urged the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, to expedite the process, citing a lack of discernible progress in recent years.
It is crucial for institutions to engage with these calls for accountability and to actively participate in meaningful dialogue regarding the restitution of culturally significant items. The legacy of colonialism continues to affect communities today, and addressing these historical injustices is essential for fostering reconciliation and mutual respect.
Why it Matters
The pursuit of the return of human remains taken during colonial rule encapsulates the broader struggle for justice faced by descendants of colonised peoples. It serves as a critical reminder of the long-lasting impacts of colonial violence and the importance of addressing historical wrongs. The actions taken by institutions like the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge in response to these appeals will not only shape the future of their collections but also influence the ongoing dialogue around reparations and the legacy of colonialism in Britain and beyond. The call for restitution is not just about reclaiming physical remains; it is about restoring dignity, honouring heritage, and paving the way for a more just and equitable relationship between former colonisers and the nations they once oppressed.