Descendants of Mangi Molelia in Berlin
News from 02/19/2026
On 2 March 1900, German colonial troops publicly executed 19 leading figures from the local communities in Old Moshi in the Kilimanjaro region. The event has left a deep mark on the area to this day. One of those murdered was Mangi Molelia, the young leader of Kibosho; his brother and another relative died with him.
The skulls of the executed were brought to Germany and ended up in Felix von Luschan's collection of human remains, which is now looked after by the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbesitz. For a long time, the origin of individual human remains was unclear. In 2023, DNA analyses made it possible to attribute four skulls to specific individuals, including that of Mangi Molelia and his two relatives.
This week, two descendants travelled to Berlin to meet the bones of their ancestors. During their visit, they also met the President of the Stiftung Preußischer Kulturbeitz, Marion Ackermann.
The Tanzanian government has not yet commented on the SPK's offer of restitution. The Foundation is still endeavouring to have the skulls returned and in the meantime has agreed with the family members living today to involve them in important decisions about the skulls.