In a powerful appeal to confront the legacy of colonial violence, descendants of Zimbabwe’s first chimurenga heroes are urging the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to help locate the looted skulls of their ancestors. These calls emerge as the institutions are scrutinised for their collections of human remains, which include thousands of items taken from Africa during a period of brutal colonial rule.
A Legacy of Pain
For over a century, the remains of freedom fighters executed by colonial forces have languished in foreign institutions, their histories obscured and their stories forgotten. The descendants, many of whom are linked to notable figures like Chief Chingaira Makoni, are now stepping forward to demand justice. In letters sent to the museums, they have requested the formation of a taskforce that includes experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to investigate the provenance of these remains.
The chimurenga heroes, who led a valiant uprising against British colonisers in the 1890s, fought fiercely for their land and people. However, their bravery was met with brutal repression. Chief Makoni, who resisted the seizure of his people’s land, was captured and executed, his skull believed to be among those taken to England. His descendant, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, expressed the deep anguish felt by his community: “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period. We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.”
The Call for Accountability
The issue gained momentum following a Guardian investigation that revealed UK institutions collectively hold at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa. The University of Cambridge tops the list with over 6,200 items, while the Natural History Museum ranks second with approximately 3,375. This revelation has reignited the conversation around the repatriation of such items, particularly in light of the historical context surrounding their acquisition.
In a formal response to the descendants, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have claimed they have yet to identify remains belonging to the chimurenga heroes. This assertion has sparked outrage among the descendants and officials in Zimbabwe who argue that a more thorough investigation is essential. “This is not only about the past,” the letters to the institutions state. “It’s about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.”
A Call to Action
The urgency of this situation is underscored by the fact that the UK has been relatively slow to respond to calls for the repatriation of human remains, unlike other European nations. Notably, countries like France and Germany have initiated efforts to research the origins of remains taken from their former colonies. Dr. Rudo Sithole, a prominent figure in the field of museum studies, highlighted this disparity, noting that Zimbabwean experts have expressed concerns over the adequacy of research conducted by UK institutions regarding the identification of the remains in question.
Gwasira articulated the spiritual significance of the remains to his people, stating that ancestral spirits play a crucial role in their connection to the divine. “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord,” he explained, emphasising the ongoing cultural and spiritual void left by the colonial appropriation of their forebears.
Institutional Responses
In response to these pressing concerns, the Natural History Museum has reiterated its commitment to repatriating the remains of the 11 individuals from Zimbabwe within its collections. However, the museum awaits direction from the Zimbabwean government regarding how to proceed. A spokesperson noted that extensive research had not yielded evidence linking the remains to specific individuals or historical events, a claim that has only added to the descendants’ frustration.
Similarly, the University of Cambridge has reached out to the families to acknowledge their grief and the uncertainty surrounding the remains. Yet, critics argue that mere acknowledgment is not enough; tangible action is required to address this historical injustice.
Why it Matters
This situation is emblematic of a broader struggle for historical accountability and reparative justice in the wake of colonialism. The descendants’ quest for the return of their ancestors’ remains signifies a necessary confrontation with the past and an opportunity for British institutions to confront their colonial history with honesty and integrity. The return of these remains is not just an act of restitution; it is a crucial step towards healing the wounds of history and restoring dignity to those who fought for their land, their culture, and their people. As the descendants push for recognition and justice, their voices resonate as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of colonialism and the urgent need for reconciliation.
