In a poignant call for justice, descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders executed during the colonial era have appealed to the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the looted skulls of their ancestors. The appeal, which highlights the ongoing struggles with historical injustices, comes amidst revelations that numerous human remains from Africa are held in British institutions.
A Legacy of Loss
The descendants, linked to the first chimurenga uprising against British colonisers in the 1890s, are urging both institutions to collaborate in the identification and repatriation of six specific skulls believed to belong to their ancestors. This initiative is not merely a quest for physical remains but also a journey toward reconciling a painful history marked by violence and oppression.
Among those leading this charge is Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, who valiantly opposed the encroachment of British settlers in what is now Manicaland province. Captured and executed by colonial forces, Chief Makoni’s skull is thought to be among those taken to the UK. Gwasira articulated the deep-seated grievances felt by his community, stating, “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.”
Institutional Responses and Historical Context
In recent years, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have faced scrutiny over their collections of human remains. A report released in 2024 revealed that UK institutions hold at least 11,856 items from Africa, with Cambridge possessing the largest collection, including 6,223 items, while the Natural History Museum retains 3,375. Despite prior commitments, the response from these institutions has been met with disappointment from Zimbabwean officials and descendants.
In their letters sent this month, the descendants emphasised the need for a collaborative taskforce consisting of experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to investigate the contested remains and related archival documents. They argue that the museums’ previous assertions—that no remains belonging to the chimurenga heroes exist in their collections—are inadequate and dismissive of their claims.
The Call for Action
This latest appeal follows a decade of requests for the return of the remains, initially made by former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. In November 2022, the Natural History Museum’s trustees voted to repatriate Zimbabwean human remains, yet little progress has been observed since that decision.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, expressed concerns that the research conducted by the museum and the university has been insufficient. She noted, “We are now very worried that not even a single one has been acknowledged to be there.” The lack of transparency and engagement has further alienated the descendants from their ancestors’ legacies.
A Cultural Perspective
The cultural implications of these lost remains are profound. In Zimbabwean Shona belief, ancestral spirits, or vadzimu, serve as vital intermediaries between the living and the divine. Gwasira explained, “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, we have no access to the Lord.” This cultural dislocation underscores the broader impact of colonial violence, as the descendants grapple with both emotional and spiritual repercussions stemming from their ancestors’ forced separation.
As institutions like the Natural History Museum have indicated a commitment to repatriation, the next steps remain contingent on collaboration with the Zimbabwean government to determine the specifics of the return. A spokesperson for the museum noted that they are awaiting guidance from Zimbabwean authorities regarding the desired actions moving forward.
Why it Matters
The ongoing struggle for the restitution of ancestral remains is emblematic of broader conversations about colonial legacy and reparative justice. The demand from Zimbabwean descendants highlights not only the importance of acknowledging historical injustices but also the need for institutions to engage transparently with affected communities. The resolution of such cases could pave the way for healing and reconciliation, both for individuals and for nations grappling with the scars of colonialism. As global attention turns to issues of heritage and restitution, the outcomes of this appeal may serve as a litmus test for how well the UK can confront its colonial past and address the enduring impacts of its legacy.