HARARE – Zimbabwe has completed the historic return of its famous stone bird sculptures, symbols of the ancient Great Zimbabwe civilisation, marking the full repatriation of artefacts long taken during the colonial era.
The soapstone carvings—known as the Zimbabwe Birds—originated from the archaeological site of Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of southern Africa’s most important ancient settlements. The sculptures were removed during the early 20th century and dispersed to private collections and institutions abroad.
Over the years, several of the birds were gradually returned, with the final piece completing its journey home in recent repatriation efforts supported by cultural heritage agreements and international cooperation. The return has been widely described as a milestone in Africa’s broader campaign to reclaim cultural artefacts taken during colonial rule.
The stone birds, carved from soapstone, are believed to represent ancestral spirits and royal authority in the medieval Shona civilisation. They were originally mounted on columns within the ancient city and are considered among Zimbabwe’s most sacred national symbols.
Historians say the removal of the artefacts occurred during the colonial period when archaeological excavations at Great Zimbabwe were conducted under British administration. Many items were exported to Europe, where they remained in museums and private collections for over a century.
Cultural heritage experts and officials in Zimbabwe have long argued that the birds are central to national identity and should be preserved within their original cultural context.
The return of the final sculpture has been welcomed as a moment of national pride and historical restoration, reflecting growing global momentum for the repatriation of African artefacts.
Similar repatriation efforts have been seen across the continent in recent years, as countries negotiate the return of cultural property held in foreign museums.
Zimbabwean authorities say the restored collection of stone birds will now be preserved and displayed locally, ensuring public access and strengthening cultural education for future generations.
The completion of the return process is being celebrated as a symbolic reversal of colonial-era cultural loss and a reaffirmation of Zimbabwe’s historical heritage.
