Arlette Leroi-Gourhan

Arlette Leroi-Gourhan (; born Arlette Royer, 9 January 1913, Paris – 25 April 2005, Vermenton) was a French archaeologist who initiated the use of palynology as part of archaeological studies. She also contributed to archaeological excavations.

She was President of Société Préhistorique Française, following her work at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique.

Her two most famous works are the discovery of the "flower burial" in Shanidar 4 tomb, and the analysis of Ramses II's mummy.

Early life and education Leroi-Gourhan was born Arlette Royer on 9 January 1913 in Paris, to a family of wealthy manufacturers. As a child she partook in sports and arts, as well as travelling throughout Europe and Northern Africa. She studied at École du Louvre, and later École des hautes études en sciences sociales (EHESS). At EHESS, she met André Leroi-Gourhan. Royer and Leroi-Gourhan married in 1936, and travelled to Japan the following year when André took up a two-year position funded by the Government of Japan.