SPATIAL REPRESENTATION IN FACE DRAWING AND BLOCK DESIGN BY 9 GROUPS FROM HUNTER-GATHERERS TO LITERATES

A rank-order correlation was performed for nine cultural groups rangin g from preliterate hunter-gatherers to literate medium-city dwellers. Two spatial tests of intrapattern spatial relations were used, the Dra w-A-Person-With-Face-In-Front test and the Kohs Block Design, a test o f constructive praxia. In contrast to traditional ''Western'' evaluati ons, credit was given for the preservation of the essential intrapatte rn shapes even when exact spatial relations among these shapes was inc orrect. Such ''errors'' were labelled ''neolithic face'' patterns and ''nonrandom errors,'' respectively. Analysis suggested that the neglec ted intrapattern (in contrast to interobject) spatial relational skill s emerge with literacy but is not yet actualized in preliterates whose survival requires quick fight or flight response upon prompt, albeit gross, assessment of salient shapes of prey or predators (human or ani mals). The positive Spearman rank-order correlation of absent or low l iteracy skills with the percent of ''neolithic face'' drawings was .95 and with the ''nonrandom'' block designs .67. Suggestions were develo ped for assessing certain unusual ''ecological'' present situations or certain brain dysfunctions.