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In a poignant appeal, descendants of Zimbabwean heroes who resisted British colonial rule in the 1890s have called upon the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the remains of their ancestors, believed to have been taken during the colonial era. This request highlights ongoing concerns about the repatriation of human remains and the need for accountability in addressing historical injustices.
A Call for Collaboration
The descendants, representing the first chimurenga heroes who fought against British colonisation, have formally reached out to both institutions. They contend that several skulls of their ancestors, including prominent figures like Chief Chingaira Makoni, are held within the collections of these institutions. The group has proposed the formation of a taskforce comprising experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to thoroughly investigate the provenance of the remains and the associated archives.
In their correspondence, the relatives expressed that the matter transcends mere historical inquiry. They stated, “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.” Their request for assistance underscores a broader demand for recognition and restitution of cultural heritage taken during colonial rule.
Historical Context
During the first chimurenga, an uprising against British colonial encroachment, many leaders were executed, and their remains were subsequently taken to the UK. Chief Makoni, a notable figure in this struggle, was captured and executed in 1896. His descendant, Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, poignantly articulated the pain felt by descendants of these heroes, stating, “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.” This sentiment reflects a deep-rooted desire for closure and acknowledgment of the historical injustices perpetrated against their ancestors.
The significance of these remains extends beyond mere relics; they are integral to cultural and spiritual practices within the Shona community. Gwasira explained that ancestral spirits, known as vadzimu, serve as intermediaries to the divine, and the absence of these remains continues to impede spiritual connections. “Until those ancestors return to us, then we have no access to the Lord,” he lamented.
Institutional Responses
In response to previous inquiries, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have stated that they have not identified any remains in their collections that belong to the chimurenga heroes. This assertion has prompted dissatisfaction among Zimbabwean officials and descendants, who feel that adequate research has not been conducted.
The Natural History Museum’s trustees resolved in November 2022 to repatriate all human remains from Zimbabwe in their possession. However, a recent letter from the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has highlighted a lack of progress over the past three years. This stagnation has drawn criticism from experts, including Dr Rudo Sithole, who emphasised that the institutions have not sufficiently explored the potential presence of the chimurenga heroes’ remains within their collections.
Comparative Context
The issue of repatriation is not unique to the UK. Other European nations, such as France and Germany, have made strides in funding research to trace the provenance of human remains taken from their former colonies. The UK, however, appears to lag behind in this respect, raising questions about its commitment to addressing the legacies of colonialism.
A spokesperson for the Natural History Museum reiterated its dedication to repatriating the remains, pending further communication from the Zimbabwean government regarding the next steps. Similarly, the University of Cambridge acknowledged the profound grief experienced by the descendants and confirmed that the Duckworth Collection does not contain remains of any of the first chimurenga heroes.
Why it Matters
This ongoing dialogue surrounding the repatriation of human remains from colonial contexts is not merely an academic concern; it is a matter of cultural justice and healing for communities still grappling with the ramifications of colonial violence. The efforts of Zimbabwean descendants to locate their ancestors’ remains represent a crucial step towards reconciling with a painful past and affirming their cultural identity. As institutions grapple with their colonial legacies, this case serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of history and the need for honest engagement with the past.
