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Dame Jane Morris Goodall DBE, formerly Baroness Jane van Lawick-Goodall, is an English primatologist and anthropologist. Born Valerie Jane Morris-Goodall on April 3, 1934, in Hampstead, London, she is considered the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees after studying their social and family interactions for over 60 years.
Caroline Stewart Bond Day was an American physical anthropologist, author, and educator. She was one of the first African-Americans to receive a degree in anthropology. Day’s research challenged scientific racism and advocated for social equality for African-Americans. Her work on documenting and understanding mixed-race families helped to challenge racial preconceptions and discrimination. Despite being controversial, her research marks an important step in the recognition of African-American women in physical anthropology.
Frederica Annis Lopez de Leo de Laguna, known as “Freddy,” was a prominent American anthropologist and archaeologist. Her passion for anthropology was solidified during her time studying with renowned anthropologists Franz Boas, Gladys Reichard, and Ruth Benedict at Columbia University. Through her groundbreaking research in Alaska and the American northwest, de Laguna shed light on the cultural practices of indigenous communities and the development of artistic expression in the region. Her contributions to the field of anthropology and her dedication to teaching continue to inspire future generations of scholars.
María Constanza Ceruti, born in 1973 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is an anthropologist and mountaineer who has made significant contributions to the field of anthropology and high-altitude archaeology. She has explored the Inca ceremonial centers on Andean peaks above 6,000 meters and has discovered the Children of Llullaillaco, the best-preserved mummies in the world. Ceruti’s research on sacred mountains worldwide has shed light on their religious and cultural significance. Her pioneering work has expanded our understanding of ancient civilizations and their relationship with mountainous landscapes.
Eulalia Guzmán Barrón (1890–1985) was a pioneering feminist, educator, and nationalist thinker in post-revolutionary Mexico. From an early age, she rejected the idea that women were destined for domesticity and aspired to become a teacher. Guzmán’s journey towards becoming an influential figure began when she was awarded a grant to study at the Normal School for Teachers, from where she graduated in 1910. Her activism and contributions continue to inspire generations of women, scholars, and social reformers.
Margaret Alice Murray (1863-1963) was an Anglo-Indian Egyptologist, archaeologist, anthropologist, historian, and folklorist who left an indelible mark on her field through groundbreaking contributions. Her achievements include being the first woman appointed as a lecturer in archaeology in the United Kingdom and her significant discoveries in Egyptology. Murray’s passion for understanding ancient civilizations and advancing the status of women in academia made her a trailblazer and a pioneer in her field.
Florence May Hawley Ellis, a pioneer in dendrochronology, made significant contributions to the field in the mid-20th century. Despite facing challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, she became a role model for anthropologists, inspiring her students and women in academia to strive for excellence. Hawley’s dedication to her work extended beyond her retirement in 1971, as she continued to actively contribute to anthropology until her death in 1991. Her innovative techniques and groundbreaking research in dendrochronology have left a lasting impact on the field.
Christian Maclagan (1811-1901) was a Scottish antiquarian and early archaeologist known for her collection of rubbings and her pioneering work in stratigraphic excavation. Despite losing the use of her right hand, Maclagan continued to create drawings, sketches, and paintings with her left hand. She was also dedicated to helping those affected by poverty in Stirling. Maclagan’s achievements and determination make her a remarkable figure in women’s history.