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In a poignant plea for recognition and justice, descendants of Zimbabwe’s liberation heroes are calling on prominent British institutions, including the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge, to assist in the search for their ancestors’ remains, believed to be among the human remains held in these collections. This appeal highlights the enduring impact of colonial violence and the urgent need for reparative justice.
A Legacy of Resistance
The descendants, representing the first chimurenga heroes who valiantly resisted British colonisation in the late 19th century, have formally requested that these institutions collaborate in locating six specific remains. These heroes, like Chief Chingaira Makoni, fought fiercely against the encroachment of British settlers who seized land for agriculture and mining in what is now Zimbabwe. The brutal execution of many of these leaders, including beheadings, resulted in the removal of their skulls, which are believed to have been taken to England.
Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni and a direct descendant of Chingaira, expressed the profound sense of loss and dehumanisation felt by his community. “We are very aggrieved as the descendants of those ancestors for the dehumanisation that took place during that period,” he stated, stressing that the return of these remains is essential to healing the historical wounds inflicted by colonial rule.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Concerns
Despite the gravity of the situation, both the Natural History Museum and the University of Cambridge have previously stated that they could not confirm the presence of the chimurenga heroes’ remains within their collections. This declaration has sparked disbelief and frustration among the descendants and Zimbabwean officials alike. In their recent correspondence, the families have insisted that an expert taskforce comprising representatives from both Zimbabwe and the UK should be established to investigate the provenance of the contested remains and the relevant archives.
“This is not only about the past,” the letters assert. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” The descendants argue that the failure to account for these remains perpetuates a legacy of suffering and trauma.
The Broader Context of Repatriation
The call for the return of the chimurenga heroes’ remains follows a broader trend of repatriation of artefacts and human remains taken during colonial times. A recent investigation revealed that UK institutions hold over 11,800 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge leading with 6,223 items, followed closely by the Natural History Museum with 3,375. This revelation has raised awareness of the colonial legacies embedded in museum collections across the UK.
While the Natural History Museum announced intentions to repatriate 11 Zimbabwean individuals in its collections in November 2022, the all-party parliamentary group for Afrikan reparations has lamented the lack of progress since that decision. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former director of the International Council of African Museums, has voiced concerns that insufficient research has been conducted to ascertain whether any of the remains in question are indeed linked to the first chimurenga heroes.
The Cultural Significance of Ancestral Remains
For many Indigenous communities, including the Shona people of Zimbabwe, ancestral spirits play a vital role in cultural and spiritual life. Gwasira articulated the deep connection between his people and their ancestors, stating, “Some of our very important ancestors who held the traditional responsibility for taking our grievances to the Lord were killed, murdered, their heads were taken.” He emphasised the suffering endured by his community in the absence of their ancestors, underscoring the spiritual void left by the colonial theft.
The call for recognition and repatriation of such remains is not merely about historical grievances; it is a crucial step toward reconciling the past with the present and fostering healing.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of Zimbabwe’s ancestral remains from British institutions speaks to a larger narrative of colonial justice and the need for acknowledgment of historical wrongs. It is a reminder of the ongoing repercussions of colonialism and the moral imperative for institutions to confront their pasts. As nations grapple with their histories, the return of looted artefacts and remains is increasingly seen as a necessary step towards reconciliation, healing, and the restoration of dignity to affected communities. The descendants’ insistence on accountability and collaboration serves as a powerful call to action for museums and universities to engage in genuine dialogue about their collections and the histories they embody.
