Chapungu Comes Home: SA Hands Over Last Zimbabwe Bird After Over a Century
South Africa is set to return the last remaining Zimbabwe Soapstone Bird, known as Chapungu, along with ancestral human remains.
The handover was officiated by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, marking a significant moment in efforts to restore cultural heritage to Zimbabwe ahead of the country’s Independence Day commemorations.
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Driven by High-Level Political Will
The repatriation follows directives from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and is being widely viewed as a milestone in advancing cultural justice across the continent.
Authorities say the move underscores a growing commitment among African nations to reclaim artefacts and human remains taken during the colonial era.
A Symbol Rooted in Great Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Bird, originally carved from a single block of soapstone at Great Zimbabwe between the 11th and 15th centuries, is one of the country’s most enduring national symbols.
Featured prominently on Zimbabwe’s flag and coat of arms, the bird represents unity, resilience, and spiritual identity. Its return is therefore seen as more than symbolic—it is a restoration of national heritage.
A Painful History of Displacement
During the late 19th century, at the height of colonial expansion, several of the soapstone birds were removed from Zimbabwe and dispersed across foreign lands. One of them was taken and eventually sold to British imperialist Cecil John Rhodes.
For over a century, these artefacts remained outside Zimbabwe, separated from the communities and cultural context that gave them meaning.
A Journey Home After Decades
Following Zimbabwe’s independence in 1980, diplomatic efforts led to the gradual return of some of the artefacts. However, Chapungu—the last and arguably most significant of the eight birds—remained abroad until now.
Its return, nearly 140 years after its removal, marks the closing of a long chapter in Zimbabwe’s cultural history.
Restoring Identity and Dignity
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Minister McKenzie described the repatriation as an act of justice and healing. He emphasized that heritage objects carry the soul of a nation and that their return helps restore identity and pride.
“When something sacred is taken from a people, a part of their story is taken with it. Returning these treasures is about restoring that story, restoring pride, and restoring dignity. The return of objects such as the Zimbabwe Bird is about justice, memory, and healing,” he said.
A Step Toward Cultural Justice
The handover of the Zimbabwe Bird and ancestral remains signals renewed cooperation between African nations in addressing the legacy of colonial dispossession.
Officials say the move reinforces a shared commitment to ensuring that Africa’s cultural heritage is protected and ultimately returned to its rightful custodians.
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