The descendants of courageous Zimbabwean resistance fighters, known as the first chimurenga heroes, are urging the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to locate the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been taken during colonial times. This call for action highlights a broader conversation regarding the repatriation of human remains and the need for institutions to address their colonial histories with transparency and accountability.
A Legacy of Resistance
The chimurenga movement, which took place in the 1890s, saw Zimbabweans rise against British colonial rule. Among those who fought valiantly was Chief Chingaira Makoni, who opposed the encroachment of British settlers on indigenous lands in what is now Manicaland province. Captured and executed by the British South Africa Company, his skull, along with those of other resistance leaders, is believed to be housed in British institutions.
In a poignant appeal, eight descendants of these freedom fighters have formally requested the two institutions to assist in identifying the remains of their ancestors. They have pledged to provide DNA samples to aid in this important endeavour. This endeavour, however, has been met with disappointment; both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge stated in 2022 that they could not confirm the presence of any remains belonging to the chimurenga heroes.
Calls for Transparency and Collaboration
The letters sent to the institutions this month emphasise the need for a collaborative taskforce composed of experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. The aim is to investigate the origins and histories of the contested remains, as well as the archives that accompany them. “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.”
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Makoni, expressed deep frustration over the situation, stating: “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.” His sentiments reflect a broader yearning for closure and reconciliation, asserting that the return of these remains is crucial for healing historical wounds.
The Broader Context of Repatriation
A recent investigation revealed that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively hold at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge housing the largest collection. This spurred renewed scrutiny over the ethical implications of such collections.
Decades ago, Zimbabwe’s former president Robert Mugabe called for the return of these remains, and while the Natural History Museum’s trustees announced in late 2022 their intention to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains, progress has reportedly stalled. An all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations recently expressed concerns about the lack of action taken since that decision.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a prominent figure in the field of African museums, voiced scepticism regarding the research conducted by the museum and the University of Cambridge. She stated that insufficient efforts have been made to ascertain whether any of the remains in question are indeed those of the chimurenga heroes. “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.
The Spiritual Dimension
In Zimbabwean culture, ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, are believed to serve as intermediaries between the living and the divine. Gwasira articulated the spiritual ramifications of the absence of these remains, stating, “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord.” This highlights the profound impact of colonialism that transcends mere loss; it affects cultural identity and spiritual practices.
Institutional Responses
The Natural History Museum has reiterated its commitment to repatriating the remains of the 11 identifiable individuals from Zimbabwe in its collection but has stated that it awaits guidance from the Zimbabwean government on the next steps. “After extensive research, we found no evidence to suggest that the remains are those of named individuals or are associated with particular historical episodes,” a museum spokesperson explained. Similarly, the University of Cambridge has communicated its acknowledgement of the grief expressed by the descendants, confirming that the Duckworth Collection does not include remains of any chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
This ongoing dialogue surrounding the repatriation of human remains is not merely an academic or administrative issue; it is a crucial step towards healing historical injustices and restoring dignity to those who suffered under colonial rule. The descendants’ demands for accountability from British institutions represent a broader yearning for reparative justice, not just for Zimbabweans, but for all communities affected by the legacies of colonialism. The response of these institutions will ultimately serve as a litmus test for their commitment to addressing the complex narratives of history and their role in perpetuating colonial legacies. The journey towards reconciliation and understanding hinges upon how effectively these calls for justice are heeded.
