Very interesting is the gradual artistic evolution of the features.
Here, as in organic evolution, there is a process of specialisation, the
primordial indefinite form taking on more of characteristic complexity.
In the case of the eye, for example, we may often trace a gradual
development, the dot being displaced by a small circle or ovoid, this
last supplemented by a second circle outside the first,[244] or by one
or by two arches, the former placed above, the latter above and below
the circle. The form remains throughout an abstract outline or scheme,
there being no attempt to draw even the lines—_e.g._, those of the
lid-margins—correctly, or to indicate differences of light and dark,
save in the case where a central black dot is used. In this schematic
treatment so striking and interesting a feature as the eye-lash only
very rarely finds a place. A similar schematic treatment of the eye in
the use of a dot, a dot in a circle, and two circles, is observable in
the drawings of savages and of Egyptian and other archaic art.[245]
-----
Footnote 244:
In one case I find the curious device of two dots or small circles,
one above the other within a larger circle, and this form repeated in
the eye of animals.
Footnote 245:
An example of circle within circle occurs in a drawing by a male Zulu
in General Pitt-Rivers’ collection.
-----
The evolution of the mouth is particularly interesting. It is wont to
begin with a horizontal line (or what seems intended for such) which is
frequently drawn right across the facial circle. But a transition soon
takes place to a more distinctive representation. This is naturally
enough carried out by the introduction of the characteristic and
interesting detail, the teeth. This may be done, according to M. Perez,
by keeping to the linear representation, the teeth being indicated by
dots placed upon the horizontal line. In all the cases observed by me
the teeth are introduced in a more realistic fashion in connexion with a
contour to suggest the parted lips. The contour—especially the circular
or ovoid—occasionally appears by itself without teeth, but the teeth
seem to be soon added. The commonest forms of tooth-cavity I have met
with are a narrow rectangular and a curved spindle-shaped slit with
teeth appearing as vertical lines (see the two drawings by boys of six
and five, Fig. 6 (_a_) and (_b_)). These two forms are improved upon and
more likeness is introduced by making the dental lines shorter, as in
Fig. 5 (_c_) (p. 340). With this may be compared a drawing by a boy of
five (Fig. 6 (_c_)), where however we see a movement from realism in the
direction of a freer decorative treatment.
[Illustration: Fig. 6 (_a_).]
[Illustration: Fig. 6 (_b_).]
[Illustration: Fig. 6 (_c_).]
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