In a heartfelt plea, descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters have urged the UK’s Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to be looted during the colonial era. These individuals, who led a courageous uprising against British colonisers in the 1890s, have long sought to reclaim the dignity of their forebears as discussions surrounding the repatriation of human remains intensify.
The Historical Context
The struggle against colonial oppression in Zimbabwe is deeply intertwined with the legacies of its heroes, particularly those from the first Chimurenga uprising. This resistance movement, which took place between 1896 and 1897, saw figures like Chief Chingaira Makoni leading battles against the encroachment of British settlers. Captured and executed by colonial forces, their remains, including the skulls of these valiant leaders, are believed to reside within UK institutions, stirring painful memories for their descendants.
A recent Freedom of Information request revealed that British universities, museums, and councils collectively house at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge and the Natural History Museum holding the largest collections. The descendants’ renewed calls for action come in light of the significant number of human remains, raising questions about the ethical responsibilities of these institutions.
An Emotional Appeal for Action
In letters dispatched to both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, eight descendants of the Chimurenga heroes have formally requested collaboration in locating six specific ancestral remains. They are prepared to provide DNA samples to aid in this pursuit. The institutions have previously stated that they found no identifiable remains linked to these resistance fighters, a claim that has been met with disbelief and frustration from the descendants and Zimbabwean officials alike.
“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 descendants stress the importance of accountability, arguing that until their ancestors are acknowledged and returned, the wounds of colonialism remain open.
In a poignant statement, Chief Makoni’s descendant, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, expressed profound grievance over the historical dehumanisation. “If those remains are not part of us, the notion of subjugation remains in our minds,” he reflected. “Because we feel if we are united with our ancestors, then that chapter of colonialism is closed.”
Institutional Responses and Challenges Ahead
The Natural History Museum’s trustees made a commitment in November 2022 to repatriate all human remains from Zimbabwe in their collections. Yet, three years on, progress appears to have stalled, as highlighted by the all-party parliamentary group for African reparations. Their recent letter to the culture secretary, Lisa Nandy, underscores the urgency of the situation, stating that “no discernible progress has been made.”
Experts in Zimbabwe have expressed concerns over the thoroughness of research conducted by UK institutions regarding the provenance of the remains. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, noted a lack of adequate investigation into whether any of the remains indeed belong to the Chimurenga heroes. The uncertainty surrounding the collections has only compounded the anguish felt by descendants, who are left grappling with the painful legacy of their ancestors’ dispossession.
The Broader European Context
This appeal for justice is not occurring in isolation. As countries like France and Germany take significant strides in funding research into the provenance of human remains taken from former colonies, the UK appears to lag behind. The disparity in efforts raises questions about the moral obligations of British institutions in acknowledging and addressing the consequences of colonialism.
In a response, a spokesperson for the Natural History Museum affirmed their commitment to repatriation, stating they are awaiting further direction from the Zimbabwean government regarding next steps. Meanwhile, the University of Cambridge has communicated to the descendants that the Duckworth Collection, their primary repository of human remains, does not contain any associated with the first Chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of these ancestral remains is not merely an act of reclaiming physical artifacts; it is a profound journey towards healing historical wounds and acknowledging the injustices of colonialism. As the voices of Zimbabwean descendants rise in unison, they challenge institutions to confront the legacies of their past honestly and to take meaningful steps towards reparative justice. The outcome of this dialogue could set a precedent for how former colonial powers engage with the painful histories entwined in their collections, highlighting the need for accountability and reconciliation in an increasingly interconnected world.