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The descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters executed by British colonial forces in the 1890s are intensifying their demands for the return of their ancestors’ remains, believed to be held by the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge. The families of these resistance heroes, who bravely battled against colonial oppression, are calling for collaborative efforts to locate and repatriate the looted skulls, marking a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle for justice and recognition of colonial atrocities.
A Painful Legacy of Colonial Violence
The ongoing plight of Zimbabwean descendants highlights a deep-seated issue rooted in the brutal history of colonial rule. Eight relatives of the first chimurenga heroes are urging UK institutions to assist them in finding the remains of six ancestors, who are thought to have been among those executed and beheaded during the uprisings against British colonists. They have offered to provide DNA samples to facilitate the search for their ancestors’ remains, underscoring the emotional and cultural significance of their request.
The families’ letters to the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge reflect a desperate plea for truth and accountability. “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.” The echoes of their ancestors’ struggles resonate deeply, as the descendants strive to reclaim not just physical remains but also their rightful place in history.
The Fight for Recognition
Chief Chingaira Makoni, a prominent resistance leader, was executed by firing squad and beheaded after leading battles against British settlers. His descendant, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, expressed the anguish felt by many: “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period.” The scars of colonialism remain raw, with Gwasira emphasising that the return of these remains is essential for closure, stating that “if we are united with our ancestors, then that chapter of colonialism is closed.”
The urgency of their campaign comes in the wake of a Freedom of Information investigation revealing that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively possess at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge holding the largest collection. This statistic has only intensified calls for reparations and recognition of the historical injustices faced by African nations.
Institutional Responses and Continuing Frustrations
Despite a formal decision by the Natural History Museum’s trustees in November 2022 to repatriate Zimbabwean human remains, critics argue that little has changed in the three years since. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations expressed disappointment over what they termed a lack of “discernible progress” in the matter. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, articulated concerns regarding the museums’ research efforts, stating that insufficient investigation has been conducted to confirm whether the remains in question belong to the chimurenga heroes.
The Natural History Museum maintains that extensive research has yielded no evidence linking their collections to named individuals or specific historical events. A spokesperson stated that they are awaiting confirmation from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps for the repatriation process. Similarly, the University of Cambridge has assured families that the Duckworth Collection, which contains a significant number of human remains, does not include those of the first chimurenga heroes.
The Spiritual Connection
For many in Zimbabwe, the return of their ancestors’ remains is not merely an issue of historical restitution but one of spiritual significance. Gwasira explains that in Shona culture, ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, are essential for connecting with the divine. “We are suffering because until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord,” he lamented, emphasising the deep cultural implications of the colonial theft.
As the descendants continue their quest for justice, their voices represent a broader movement seeking to address the legacies of colonialism. The unresolved questions surrounding the remains serve as a painful reminder of the injustices endured by generations past.
Why it Matters
The demand for the return of looted human remains is not just a matter of restitution; it signifies a critical step towards healing the wounds inflicted by colonialism. For the descendants of Zimbabwean freedom fighters, this struggle embodies a quest for dignity, recognition, and a rightful place in history. As institutions grapple with the legacy of their colonial past, the call for accountability and reparations resonates strongly, urging a collective reckoning that could pave the way for a more just future.
