Leakey, Louis S. B. (1903–1972)

David Alexander Lukaszek

The English anthropologist Louis Leakey was known primarily for his discovery of Proconsul africanus , his interpretation of Zinjanthropus , his announcing the discovery of Homo habilis , and his great influence on primatology. Born in 1903 at Kabete Mission, Kenya, Leakey benefited from two distinct cultures: the English culture that was provided by his parents, Harry and Mary Leakey, and the Kikuyu tribe culture to which he was initiated at 13 years of age. Acculturated into tribal lore, Leakey acquired the ability to survive in the bush. Other than a brief time in England at Gorse Cliff school during 1912 and 1913, his formal education during the period from 1913 to 1919 was provided by tutors from England. Regarded by the tribe as more African than European, Leakey was known as the black man with the white face. During his youth, his interests in the past and the collection ...

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