ABSTRACT
This chapter draws upon the studies to help illuminate the principles which underlie the play and emergent symbolism of the very young human primate. However, until recently, scientists concentrated on chimpanzee communication and focused their attention on the pant-hoot cry, an instinctual response to the finding of food or sex, or the expression of fear or anger. The observation of the ape with the wet cloth makes one think of children's first drawings. The interaction maintained by the clever teacher employs only one word of the English language yet her support for the infant is perfect. The representation of locomotion is initially embedded in surprisingly complex ensembles of action, in themselves developed forms of sensorimotor play. The symmetry of the body and the regular intervals taken by arms and legs to move forward make a rhythmical locomotion syncopated by drop-throws of the bracelet, which tick out a steady and accurate timing of his progress, dividing it into measured phrases.
