In a poignant appeal, descendants of Zimbabwe’s resistance fighters have urged the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been looted during the colonial era. This call to action comes as the institutions face scrutiny for their collections of human remains, which include thousands of items from Africa.
A Legacy of Resistance
The descendants are specifically seeking the remains of six ancestors who played pivotal roles in the first Chimurenga uprising against British colonisation in the late 19th century. These historical figures, including Chief Chingaira Makoni, were executed and had their skulls taken as trophies by colonial forces. Their descendants have expressed deep frustration over the lack of transparency in the institutions’ collections and the ongoing absence of their ancestors’ remains.
In a recent correspondence addressed to the museum and university, the relatives have proposed the formation of a collaborative taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK. This initiative aims to clarify the provenance of the contested remains and to facilitate a thorough examination of the relevant archives. The letters underscore a critical sentiment: “This is not only about the past. It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.”
An Ongoing Struggle for Recognition
The request follows a report revealing that UK universities, museums, and councils collectively hold over 11,800 items of human remains from Africa. Notably, the University of Cambridge possesses the largest collection, with at least 6,223 items, while the Natural History Museum ranks second with around 3,375 items. This staggering number raises questions about the ethical responsibilities of these institutions in addressing their colonial legacies.
Despite a formal decision made by the Natural History Museum’s trustees in November 2022 to repatriate all human remains from Zimbabwe, progress has been slow. The all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations recently expressed disappointment, stating, “no discernible progress has been made in the three years since that decision.”
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, emphasised the necessity for more thorough research to ascertain whether any of the remains in question belong to the first Chimurenga heroes. “People long believed that all the Chimurenga heroes’ remains were in the UK,” she noted, raising concerns over the lack of acknowledgement regarding their existence in British collections.
The Significance of Ancestral Remains
For the descendants, the issue transcends mere restitution; it is a matter of cultural identity and spiritual connection. Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a direct descendant of Chief Makoni, articulated the pain associated with the loss of ancestral remains, stating, “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.” He highlighted the role of ancestral spirits, or vadzimu, in Zimbabwean culture, noting that their absence has left a spiritual void within the community.
Others, such as Dr Sithole, point out that the UK’s approach to repatriation lags behind that of other European countries, such as France and Germany, which have initiated funding for research into the provenance of human remains taken from their former colonies. This contrast draws attention to the ongoing debate surrounding colonial accountability and the restitution of cultural heritage.
Institutional Responses and Future Steps
A spokesperson for the Natural History Museum reaffirmed its commitment to repatriating the remains of the 11 individuals from Zimbabwe identified in its collections, while also emphasising that no evidence has been found linking any remains to specific historical figures or events. The University of Cambridge has similarly stated that it has acknowledged the grief of the descendants and has assured them that its largest collection, the Duckworth Collection, holds no remains of the first Chimurenga heroes.
Despite these reassurances, the call for collaborative efforts remains strong. The descendants’ plea for a taskforce reflects a desire for a more profound engagement between institutions and the communities from which these artefacts were taken.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of ancestral remains is emblematic of broader conversations about colonialism, cultural heritage, and restitution. As institutions grapple with their colonial past, the voices of those directly affected provide a crucial perspective on the need for accountability and healing. The resolution of these issues is not only vital for the descendants seeking closure but also for the ethical re-evaluation of historical narratives and the responsibilities of institutions in addressing their legacies. The outcome of this dialogue could set a significant precedent for similar cases worldwide, making the stakes incredibly high for both the descendants and the institutions involved.