Mary Leakey

Mary Leakey (February 6 1913 – December 9 1996) was a British physical anthropologist, who, along with others, discovered the first skull of a fossil ape on Rusinga Island. For much of her career she worked with her husband Louis Leakey in the Olduvai Gorge, uncovering the tools and fossils of ancient hominines. She also discovered the Laetoli footprints.

History

Mary Leakey was born Mary Nicol on February 6, 1913 in London, England. Since her father worked as a painter, the Nicol family would move from place to place, visiting such locations as Italy and France.

Related Topics:
February 6 - 1913 - London - England - Italy - France

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After a time, the family moved to Dordogne in France. In nearby Cabrerets, Abbe Lemozi was leading an excavation. It was here, her interest in prehistory was sparked.

Related Topics:
Dordogne - Cabrerets - Abbe Lemozi - Prehistory

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Mary's father died in 1926 and her mother placed her in a Catholic convent from where she was repeatedly expelled. After leaving the convent, she attended lectures for archaeology and geology at the University of London.

Related Topics:
1926 - Catholic - Archaeology - Geology - University of London

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She entered the field as an illustrator for Dr. Gertrude Canton-Thompson's book, The Desert Fayoum, and through Dr. Canton-Thompson, met Louis Leakey. She showed him her illustrations and he arranged for her to illustrate his book, Adam's Ancestors.

Related Topics:
Gertrude Canton-Thompson - The Desert Fayoum - Louis Leakey - Adam's Ancestors

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They were married in 1936 and had three sons: Jonathan in 1940, Richard in 1944, and Philip in 1948. Louis died on October 1, 1972 of a heart attack. Mary died on December 9, 1996 at the age of 83.

Related Topics:
1936 - 1940 - Richard - 1944 - 1948 - October 1 - 1972 - December 9 - 1996

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