In a poignant appeal, descendants of Zimbabwe’s resistance heroes have called on the Natural History Museum in London and the University of Cambridge to assist in locating the looted skulls of their ancestors, who valiantly fought against British colonial forces in the late 19th century. With a troubling legacy of colonialism still resonating today, these families seek accountability and the return of their forebears’ remains, which they believe are housed within British institutions.
A Call for Repatriation
The descendants, representing the first chimurenga heroes—who spearheaded an uprising against British colonisation during the 1890s—have formally requested collaboration with the two institutions to identify and recover six specific ancestors’ remains. They have offered to provide DNA samples to bolster the search. This initiative follows a report revealing that UK museums and universities possess at least 11,856 items of human remains from Africa, with the University of Cambridge leading the count at 6,223, and the Natural History Museum holding 3,375.
The families expressed their dismay after both the museum and the university stated in 2022 that they had not identified any remains linked to these colonial-era freedom fighters. In a recent correspondence, they emphasised that the resolution of these matters hinges on establishing a taskforce comprised of experts from both Zimbabwe and the UK to thoroughly examine the contested remains and archival materials.
A Legacy of Pain and Loss
The letters from the descendants highlight the broader implications of their search. “This is not only about the past,” they wrote. “It is about whether institutions today are willing to confront colonial violence honestly and repair its enduring harms.” One prominent figure among the signatories is Cogen Simbayi Gwasira, the current Chief Makoni, who descends from Chief Chingaira Makoni—an esteemed leader who resisted land seizures by British settlers. Captured and executed, his skull is believed to have been taken to England, emblematic of the dehumanisation faced by many during that period.
Gwasira articulated the emotional toll of this loss, stating, “We feel that the British, and especially the museums in England, should be honest and return those things that they took.” He believes that the return of these remains is crucial for healing and reconciliation, closing a painful chapter in Zimbabwe’s history.
Institutional Responses and Ongoing Challenges
Despite the call for action, progress has been slow. Following a formal decision by the trustees of the Natural History Museum in November 2022 to repatriate all Zimbabwean human remains, a parliamentary group reported that “no discernible progress” has been made in the intervening years. Dr Rudo Sithole, a former executive director of the International Council of African Museums, expressed concern that the museum and the University of Cambridge have not conducted sufficient research to ascertain the origins of the remains in their collections.
In response to these allegations, the Natural History Museum asserted its commitment to repatriation but mentioned that extensive research had found no evidence linking the remains in question to specific historical figures. The University of Cambridge echoed similar sentiments, stating that their largest collection, the Duckworth Collection, does not contain the remains of any chimurenga heroes.
The Broader Context of Colonial Reparation
The circumstances surrounding the quest for these ancestral remains are not unique to Zimbabwe. Across Europe, countries like France and Germany have funded research into the provenance of human remains taken from former colonies. The UK’s apparent lag in this area has drawn criticism from various quarters, underscoring the need for more proactive measures regarding the repatriation of cultural heritage.
The descendants’ ongoing efforts are a stark reminder of the lasting impacts of colonialism. Their struggle not only seeks to reclaim physical remains but also aims to restore dignity to their ancestors, whose sacrifices during the fight for freedom should never be forgotten.
Why it Matters
The quest for the return of looted ancestral remains is not merely a matter of historical restitution; it is a vital step towards healing deep-seated wounds from colonisation. By addressing these grievances, institutions can begin to mend relationships with communities that have long suffered from the consequences of colonial exploitation. The descendants’ plea serves as a call to action for museums and universities to confront their pasts, engage in meaningful dialogue, and contribute to a future built on respect and recognition of cultural heritage.
