The descendants of Zimbabwean resistance leaders, who bravely opposed British colonial forces in the late 19th century, are imploring the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors. The appeal comes as part of a broader conversation surrounding the restitution of looted cultural heritage, with these families seeking closure and recognition of their forebears’ sacrifices during a tumultuous period in Zimbabwe’s history.
A Call for Collaboration
In a heartfelt letter sent to the esteemed British institutions, eight descendants of the chimurenga heroes formally requested collaboration in identifying six specific human remains believed to be in their collections. These individuals played pivotal roles in the anti-colonial uprisings of the 1890s, fighting against the imposition of British rule that sought to exploit Zimbabwe’s resources and land.
One of the signatories, Chief Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, a descendant of Chief Chingaira Makoni, expressed deep anguish over the historical injustices faced by their ancestors. “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he stated. “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.”
Historical Context
The chimurenga, or “First War of Independence,” saw fierce resistance against colonial forces, culminating in the execution of many leaders, including Makoni, who was captured, executed, and beheaded. His skull, alongside those of other resistance fighters, is thought to have been sent to the UK as part of colonial practices that often disregarded the dignity and rights of African peoples.
This recent call for action follows a Freedom of Information investigation that revealed UK institutions hold at least 11,856 human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge possessing the largest collection. The Natural History Museum follows closely with over 3,375 items. In light of this, the Zimbabwean descendants are advocating for a task force that would include experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to thoroughly examine and clarify the provenance of these remains.
Institutional Responses
In a reply to the requests, representatives from the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge acknowledged the profound grief expressed by the families. The museum has stated its commitment to repatriating the remains of 11 individuals identified as originating from Zimbabwe, pending confirmation from the Zimbabwean government regarding next steps. However, both institutions have stated they have found no evidence linking their collections to the chimurenga heroes, a claim met with scepticism by the descendants and Zimbabwean officials, who feel that insufficient research has been conducted.
Dr Rudo Sithole, a former director at the International Council of African Museums, highlighted the disparity in how UK institutions handle such matters compared to their counterparts in France and Germany, which have actively funded research into the provenance of looted remains from their former colonies.
The Cultural Significance
For many Zimbabweans, the remains of their ancestors represent not only a connection to their past but also a vital link to their cultural identity and spiritual beliefs. In Shona tradition, ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, are crucial for communication with the divine, and the absence of these remains has left many feeling disconnected from their heritage. Gwasira articulated this sentiment, lamenting the continued suffering inflicted by colonialism, stating, “Until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord.”
Why it Matters
The call for the return of ancestral remains is emblematic of a larger movement toward addressing historical injustices and the ongoing impact of colonialism. By confronting these difficult truths and actively working towards restitution, institutions can foster a more equitable relationship with the communities they have historically marginalized. This effort not only serves to acknowledge the suffering of past generations but also paves the way for healing and reconciliation in a contemporary context. The descendants of the chimurenga heroes are not merely seeking the return of bones; they are advocating for recognition of their ancestors’ legacies and a chance to heal the wounds of history.
