In a poignant call for justice, descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders are urging British institutions, including the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, to assist in the search for the looted skulls of their ancestors. These heroes, who valiantly opposed British colonial rule during the first chimurenga uprising in the 1890s, are believed to have had their remains taken to the UK. The appeal comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the repatriation of human remains and the recognition of historical injustices.
A Legacy of Resistance
The descendants, representing the legacy of those who fought against British colonisation, have formally reached out to these prestigious institutions, requesting their cooperation in locating the remains of six key figures from their history. Among these ancestors is Chief Chingaira Makoni, who led a valiant stand against the encroachment of British settlers in what is now Zimbabwe. Captured and executed, his skull is believed to reside in a British collection, a grim reminder of the past atrocities.
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni and a direct descendant, articulated the deep sense of grievance felt by his community. “We are deeply aggrieved as descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he stated. The echoes of colonial violence linger, with Gwasira expressing a desire for honesty in acknowledging the historical wrongs and the need for the return of their ancestors’ remains.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Disappointment
In 2022, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge stated that they had not identified any remains associated with the first chimurenga heroes, a conclusion that has left many descendants and officials disheartened. This month, the descendants sent letters to the institutions, proposing the formation of a taskforce comprising experts from Zimbabwe and the UK to examine the disputed remains and review archival records.
The letters underline the importance of confronting colonial legacies head-on. “This is not only about the past,” they assert. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” This sentiment reflects a broader call for reparative justice, where historical accountability is essential for healing.
The Broader Context of Repatriation
A recent investigation revealed that UK institutions hold at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge housing the most significant collection. The Natural History Museum follows closely, holding a substantial number of items that include human remains from various origins. This context has intensified calls for the repatriation of these remains, as nations across Europe, such as France and Germany, take proactive steps in researching and returning artefacts taken during colonial times.
The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has voiced concern over the lack of progress in repatriating the remains designated for return to Zimbabwe, despite a formal decision made by the museum’s trustees in November 2022. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, expressed scepticism about the adequacy of research conducted by these institutions. She emphasised that more rigorous investigation is needed to ascertain the provenance of the remains purportedly connected to the chimurenga heroes.
The Spiritual Dimension
In Zimbabwean Shona tradition, the connection to ancestors is sacred. Gwasira highlighted the spiritual implications of the colonial theft, stating that ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, serve as intermediaries in prayers to Mwari, or God. “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, we have no access to the Lord,” he lamented. This deep spiritual connection underscores the urgency and emotional weight of their plea for repatriation.
Why it Matters
The descendants’ quest for the return of their ancestors’ remains transcends mere historical restitution; it embodies a profound need for cultural healing and acknowledgment of the enduring impacts of colonialism. As global discussions around repatriation gain momentum, this case illustrates the complexities of reconciling historical injustices and the moral imperatives facing institutions today. The resolution of this matter could set a precedent for similar calls for justice, fostering a more equitable dialogue about the legacies of colonialism and the restitution of cultural heritage.