Origin Stories Episode 37: From the Archive - Mary Leakey
Jun 14, 2019
In this fascinating discussion, paleontologist Mary Leakey shares her groundbreaking experiences at Olduvai Gorge, where she redefined our understanding of human origins. She recounts the meticulous excavation methods that revealed ancient fossils, including the robust Australopithecus boisei and the tool-making Homo habilis. Mary also talks about finding evidence of primitive shelters and butchery sites, shedding light on early hominid life. Her tales from the field are filled with insights into both human evolution and the wonders of archaeology.
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Discovery Of Nutcracker Man
- Mary Leakey describes finding a skull fragment that projected from the ground and turned out to be hominid teeth and jaw.
- She ran back to camp and told Louis, "I've found him," launching their famous discovery of Nutcracker Man.
Laetoli Footprints Moment
- Mary Leakey discovered 3.6-million-year-old hominin footprints at Laetoli and celebrated by lighting a cigar.
- She called the footprints something "to put on the mantelpiece," marking their scientific significance.
Stratified Excavation Reveals Complexity
- Systematic, stratified excavation allowed dating of stone industries and hominids across beds at Olduvai.
- This revealed contemporaneous species and tool cultures rather than a single linear evolution.
